Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Creamy Spicy Cajun Steak Bites & Cheddar Pasta is a fantastic dish for several reasons. First, it brings the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning into a delicious creamy pasta. Second, the whole meal cooks in just one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Spicy Cajun Steak Bites & Cheddar Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 green onions, chopped
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes until it is browned. After searing, remove the steak from the skillet.
- Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil. Then, stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
- Return the seared steak to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Spicy Cajun Steak Bites & Cheddar Pasta
This dish is best served hot. You can dish it out in individual bowls or serve it family-style right from the skillet. A side salad or some crusty bread pairs nicely with this creamy pasta.
How to Store One-Pan Creamy Spicy Cajun Steak Bites & Cheddar Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Tips to Make One-Pan Creamy Spicy Cajun Steak Bites & Cheddar Pasta
- Make sure to cut the steak into evenly-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- If you like vegetables, throw in some bell peppers or spinach while cooking the pasta.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using chicken instead of steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly until the chicken is fully cooked. Additionally, you can use any pasta type you like, or even substitute the cream with a non-dairy alternative for a lighter dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute sirloin steak with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. What can I do if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. It will still be tasty!
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for extra heat.
One-Pan Creamy Spicy Cajun Steak Bites & Cheddar Pasta
A delicious one-pan meal that combines Cajun seasoning with creamy pasta and steak for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes until browned, then remove from the skillet.
- Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Return the seared steak to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Stir in the butter until melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Make sure to cut the steak into evenly sized cubes for even cooking. Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
