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Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet featured image showcases a delicious and easy skillet meal.

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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

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.