EASY CAJUN STEAK PASTA SKILLET

Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly al dente pasta, coated in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce, all nestled amongst tender, juicy steak bites. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet, a flavor explosion in every bite that’s surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu because this will quickly become your new favorite weeknight meal, guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters!

The Star-Studded Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steak

1. In a medium bowl, toss the steak cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the steak is evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the steak and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. While the vegetables are cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. In the same skillet with the vegetables, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and steak to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce.
2. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Skillet

Okay, friend, let’s talk about some secrets to make this Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet truly shine. Sometimes, the sauce can be a little thin – don’t panic! A simple fix is to whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the simmering sauce and stir until it thickens up. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. I always taste as I go!

Variations to Spice Things Up (Literally!)

Want to put your own spin on this delicious dish? Go for it! You could add some Andouille sausage for an extra kick. Or, if you’re a cheese lover (like me!), try adding some shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese to the sauce for a melty, gooey delight. Consider throwing in some spinach or kale for a boost of nutrients. Get creative and make it your own!

What to Serve Alongside Your Cajun Masterpiece

This Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet is a complete meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round it out, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. Some crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce would be amazing too. If you want to go all out, consider a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

Making it Ahead & Storing Leftovers

While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. You can cut the steak and vegetables, and even make the sauce a day in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and then just combine when you’re ready to cook. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Other Cajun-Inspired Delights

If you’re craving more of that amazing Cajun flavor, you absolutely have to try my Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet! It’s another quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor. And if you are looking for something with a sweet and savory twist, try this Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice. For steak lovers, you could also try these amazing Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. You may also love this Pepper Steak Recipe!

Pasta Perfection Alternatives

If you love pasta dishes, but are wanting more variety, try this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Or, if you want something creamy and dreamy, try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta – it’s seriously irresistible!

Fueling Your Body: Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s get real for a second. While this Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet is incredibly delicious, it’s also important to be mindful of the nutritional content. A serving contains approximately: Calories: 650, Protein: 40g, Fat: 35g, Carbohydrates: 45g. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and your portion sizes. I always recommend using a food tracking app to get a more accurate assessment.

Conclusion: Your Cajun Cooking Adventure Awaits!

So there you have it, my friend! Your guide to creating the ultimate Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet. I hope you feel inspired to get in the kitchen and give this recipe a try. I know you can do it, and I’m confident you’ll absolutely love the results. Happy cooking!

Easy Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet

This Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet delivers a creamy, spicy, and satisfying meal in one pan. Tender steak bites and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a rich Cajun sauce, making it a weeknight favorite that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for steak
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for steak
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for steak
• 1/4 teaspoon salt for steak
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for steak
• 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or fettuccine
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for vegetables
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning for sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
• 2 tablespoons cold water optional, for thickening

Equipment

• large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Pot for pasta
• colander
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• Spatula or tongs

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, toss the steak cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the steak is evenly coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the steak and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
6. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
7. While the vegetables are cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
8. In the same skillet with the vegetables, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
10. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
11. Add the cooked pasta and steak to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce.
12. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add to the simmering sauce, stirring until thickened. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. Add Andouille sausage, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.