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Creamy White Cheddar Cajun Steak Penne

A comforting one-pan meal that combines creamy white cheddar, Cajun seasoning, and tender steak with penne pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta Cook until al dente.
Steak
  • 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces Pat dry for better searing.
Sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream Adds creaminess to the sauce.
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese Melt into the sauce for flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For searing the steak.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Sauté for flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb of penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Steak
  1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces for that crispy sear.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.
  2. Gradually pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the warm, creamy aroma fill your kitchen!
  3. Add 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, whisking until fully melted.
Combining Everything
  1. Return the penne and steak to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in that rich sauce.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, spicy, and savory bite!

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference! Store in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat with a splash of milk or cream.