Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect mix of spicy and creamy. The Cajun seasoning gives the steak tips a smoky, slightly spicy edge, while the parmesan cheese sauce wraps each bowtie noodle in velvety goodness. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal when you’re craving something filling and delicious. The unique shape of bowtie pasta also adds a fun twist and holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Steak tips or sirloin steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan (and mozzarella if using) and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss until fully coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Return the steak tips to the skillet and mix gently into the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.
- Kick up the heat: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
- Cheese variations: Add shredded cheddar or gouda for a more complex cheese flavor.
- Low-carb option: Serve the steak and sauce over steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
- Herb twist: Mix in Italian herbs or a bit of fresh thyme for added aroma.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for steak tips?
Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are all excellent choices for tender, juicy steak tips.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or fettuccine also work well with this sauce and steak.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level from the Cajun seasoning. Adjust it to your taste.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the components ahead and combine them just before serving for best texture.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Adding a bit of mozzarella or cream cheese will make the sauce extra creamy.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, just slice it and warm it in the sauce before adding to the pasta.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they may separate when reheated. It’s best served fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
What can I serve with this?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.
Conclusion
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Parmesan Sauce is a satisfying, flavor-packed dish that brings together bold seasoning, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in one comforting bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a group or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone full and happy.
PrintCajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Parmesan Sauce
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Parmesan Sauce is a bold, creamy, and satisfying dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips and bowtie pasta coated in a rich, cheesy parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs steak tips or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan and mozzarella (if using) and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
- Return the steak tips to the skillet and gently mix into the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for best results.
- To adjust spice, reduce or increase the Cajun seasoning as preferred.
- Optional mozzarella adds extra creaminess to the sauce.
- Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore sauce consistency.
- This dish is best served fresh; not ideal for freezing due to the dairy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg