Bold Cajun Steak & Creamy Honey Penne Pasta Skillet

Introduction

Are you craving a meal that’s bold, spicy, creamy, and utterly satisfying? This Bold Cajun Steak & Creamy Honey Penne Pasta Skillet is the perfect dish to bring a punch of flavor to your dinner table. The juicy, seared steak is coated in a smoky Cajun spice mix, perfectly complementing the rich and slightly sweet honey-infused cream sauce that coats every piece of penne pasta.

What makes this dish even better is that it’s all made in one skillet—minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive right into this indulgent yet easy-to-make recipe!

Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak:

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into strips
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade – see tips below)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Creamy Honey Penne Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken or beef broth (optional, to thin the sauce)

For Garnishing:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• Freshly cracked black pepper

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Steak

1. Pat the steak strips dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Sprinkle this spice mix evenly over the steak strips, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the seasoned steak strips to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful seared crust.
6. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Honey Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously.
4. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese, honey, Cajun seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. If the sauce is too thick, add ¼ cup of pasta water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce.
2. Add the seared steak strips back to the pan, mixing everything together so the flavors meld beautifully.
3. If desired, sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella over the top and let it melt into the sauce.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra black pepper.

Helpful Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh garlic, high-quality Parmesan cheese, and a well-marbled cut of steak make a huge difference in flavor.
• If possible, grate your Parmesan cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded for better melting.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

• Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds up well when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining—it helps adjust the sauce consistency.

3. Let the Steak Rest

• After searing the steak, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or adding it back to the pasta.
• This keeps the meat juicy by redistributing its natural juices.

4. Adjust the Sweetness & Spice

• The honey balances the heat, but if you prefer a stronger Cajun kick, reduce the honey slightly.
• Want extra spice? Add cayenne, extra Cajun seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce.

5. Make It a Meal Prep Favorite

• This dish reheats well! Store leftovers in portions so you have an easy grab-and-go lunch.
• If meal prepping, keep the pasta and steak separate from the sauce until ready to reheat.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Make It Chicken Instead

• Swap the steak for chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips and cooked with the same Cajun seasoning.

2. Try a Different Cheese

• Instead of Parmesan, try Asiago, Gruyère, or even a smoked cheddar for a unique twist.

3. Use a Different Pasta Shape

• Penne works great, but fusilli, rigatoni, or fettuccine would also be delicious!

4. Add Vegetables

• Toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added color and nutrients.

Conservation & Storage

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing

• You can freeze the pasta and sauce for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly when reheated.

Serving Suggestions

This Bold Cajun Steak & Creamy Honey Penne Pasta Skillet is a rich, flavorful dish, so pairing it with the right sides can balance the meal beautifully. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

1. Fresh Salads for a Lighter Contrast

Pair this creamy, spicy pasta with a fresh salad to add crunch and refresh your palate:

• Classic Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan, and crunchy croutons with a light Caesar dressing.
• Arugula & Cherry Tomato Salad – Toss with balsamic vinaigrette for a peppery and tangy bite.
• Cucumber & Avocado Salad – A cool and creamy side to balance the spice.

2. Bread for Dipping

A side of warm bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce:

• Garlic Bread – Buttery, toasted bread with garlic and herbs.
• Cheesy Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks topped with mozzarella and baked to perfection.
• Crusty Baguette – A simple but delicious way to scoop up the sauce.

3. Roasted or Steamed Vegetables

Lightly seasoned vegetables add nutrition and texture contrast:

• Roasted Asparagus – Drizzle with olive oil and roast for a smoky flavor.
• Steamed Broccoli – A simple, healthy addition.
• Sautéed Mushrooms & Bell Peppers – Their earthy sweetness pairs well with the Cajun spices.

4. Drinks to Complement the Flavors

Balance the spice and richness with refreshing drinks:

• Iced Tea with Lemon – A classic pairing to cleanse the palate.
• Sparkling Water with Lime – A bubbly and refreshing option.
• Homemade Lemonade – Sweet and tangy to contrast the Cajun heat.

5. A Light Dessert to Finish the Meal

End on a sweet note with a light dessert:

• Vanilla Panna Cotta – Creamy but not too heavy.
• Fruit Sorbet – A refreshing and cool way to cleanse the palate.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – A simple yet satisfying treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne works great, you can also use rigatoni, fettuccine, fusilli, or even spaghetti.

2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick homemade Cajun seasoning by mixing:

• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream for:

• Half-and-half or whole milk (though the sauce will be thinner).
• A mix of Greek yogurt and a little milk for a creamy but healthier alternative.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
• Avoid microwaving on high—use short intervals and stir between heating.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the steak and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, cook fresh pasta and mix everything together for the best texture.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

This pasta is rich, so pair it with lighter sides like:

Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli.

Garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.

A crisp salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

Conclusion

This Bold Cajun Steak & Creamy Honey Penne Pasta Skillet is a true showstopper—spicy, creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this dish delivers big, bold taste in every bite. Plus, with easy substitutions and variations, you can make it your own!

So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Happy cooking!

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