Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—the creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet! This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with rich flavors and just the right kick of spice. I can whip it up in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when I just want something comforting and delicious without a lot of fuss. I remember the first time I made this—my friends were over for a casual dinner, and I thought, “Why not try something a little zesty?” The moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up, and I knew I had a winner! Trust me, once you taste the creamy sauce and tender steak mixed with that cheesy goodness, you’ll be hooked. This dish truly has the magic to turn any meal into a celebration!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet
Now let’s dive into the joy of making this creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet! It’s super straightforward, and I promise, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water well—this is your chance to add flavor to the pasta! Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, grab your sirloin steak and season it generously with the cajun seasoning. This is where the magic starts, so don’t be shy with that spice!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the seasoned steak strips. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked to your liking. The smell? Wow, it’ll be amazing!
- Next, toss in the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, letting them soften and mingle with the steak. You want a bit of color and sweetness in there!
- Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where it all comes together! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into that creamy goodness.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and mix everything well, ensuring the pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. Give it a taste, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Finally, serve it hot and enjoy the delightful flavors. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the lowdown on the creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet! Each serving is packed with flavor and a hearty dose of nutrients. You can expect approximately:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
- Rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of penne and steak.
- Bold cajun flavors that give your taste buds a delightful kick.
- Hearty and satisfying—it’s a meal that fills you up and warms your soul.
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or protein substitutions.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet turns out absolutely perfect! First off, when seasoning your steak, don’t hold back on that cajun seasoning. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor, so taste and adjust as you go. If you like it spicier, feel free to sprinkle on a little extra!
For the steak, aim for a nice sear—this adds so much flavor! Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. And when it comes to the sauce, keep an eye on it while you’re stirring in the cheddar. If it’s too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it up and keep that creamy texture. Trust me, you’ll want every bit of that luscious sauce clinging to your pasta!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up the creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet! For a lighter option, try swapping the steak for chicken—just season it the same way and follow the same cooking method. You can also add in some fresh veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. If you want to kick it up a notch, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for that extra heat. And don’t forget, you can play around with different cheeses too—pepper jack cheese adds a nice spicy twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet, simply let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep that deliciousness intact!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating on the stove over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure it warms evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Enjoy every bite again!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is my go-to for this creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet, you can easily swap it out for any pasta you have on hand. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time based on the pasta you choose!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! If heavy cream isn’t in your pantry, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream, but add them in off the heat to prevent curdling. The creaminess will still shine through!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free penne pasta, this creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just make sure to check the labels on your ingredients to be safe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture, you can prepare the components ahead. Cook the pasta and steak, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything with the sauce and heat it up!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is super versatile. Feel free to toss in some spinach, kale, or even frozen peas during the sautéing step. Just remember that the cooking time for veggies can vary, so adjust accordingly to keep everything nice and tender!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used, you can check out this article on Cajun seasoning and its health benefits.
For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, visit Serious Eats for a comprehensive guide.
Lastly, if you’re interested in exploring more delicious pasta recipes, check out BBC Good Food’s pasta collection.
Imprimer
Creamy Cajun Steak Cheddar Penne Skillet: 30-Minute Delight
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A rich and flavorful creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet dish.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Season steak strips with cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak strips and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and onion; sauté until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add cooked penne to the skillet and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cajun seasoning to taste.
- You can substitute chicken for steak.
- For a spicier dish, add more cajun seasoning.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 35g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 110mg
Mots-clés: creamy cajun steak cheddar penne skillet
