why make this recipe
Creamy White Cheddar Cajun Steak Penne is the perfect dish for those who enjoy a delightful mix of flavors. The creamy cheese combined with the kick of Cajun seasoning makes every bite a tasty experience. This recipe is simple to prepare and is sure to impress family and friends. It is rich, comforting, and has enough spice to awaken your taste buds!
how to make Creamy White Cheddar Cajun Steak Penne
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add steak strips and season with Cajun seasoning. Sear until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness, about 3-4 minutes for medium rare.
- Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked steak and penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
how to serve Creamy White Cheddar Cajun Steak Penne
Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing it with fresh parsley. This meal pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread to balance the rich flavors.
how to store Creamy White Cheddar Cajun Steak Penne
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of cream or milk while reheating to bring back some of the creamy consistency.
tips to make Creamy White Cheddar Cajun Steak Penne
- Make sure not to overcook the steak; it’s best when it’s tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- For added flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the dish.
- If you’re not a fan of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
variation
For a lighter version, you could replace the heavy cream with a light cream or even use a plant-based milk with cornstarch to thicken it. You can also swap the penne pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, depending on dietary needs.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken instead of steak?
A: Yes, you can easily swap the steak for chicken breast. Just cook it until it’s fully done and tender.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spiciness depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. You can start with less and add more to taste.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Creamy White Cheddar Cajun Steak Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful mix of creamy cheese and spicy Cajun seasoning, this dish is rich, comforting, and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Add steak strips and season with Cajun seasoning. Sear until browned, about 3-4 minutes for medium rare.
- Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Add heavy cream to the same skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked steak and penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
