Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of big flavors and creamy pasta, this dish will quickly become a favorite. The Cajun steak tips deliver juicy, seasoned bites of meat with a kick, while the cheesy rotini wraps everything in velvety, parmesan-infused goodness. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal you can make right at home, with minimal prep and maximum taste. Perfect for cozy dinners, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself.
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)
- Rotini pasta
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan (and mozzarella if using) until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked rotini and stir until fully coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Return the steak tips to the skillet and gently fold them into the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh 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
- Protein switch: Try using chicken, shrimp, or sausage instead of steak.
- Extra heat: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for more spice.
- Veggie add-ins: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Different pasta: Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well if you don’t have rotini.
- Herb twist: Add a sprinkle of thyme or oregano to the sauce for depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwaving is also fine—use short intervals and stir between heating to avoid overcooking the steak or drying out the pasta.
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for steak tips?
Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin all work well. Choose a cut that’s tender and flavorful.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, just reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.
Is mozzarella necessary for the sauce?
It’s optional, but it adds extra creaminess. Parmesan alone will still make a rich sauce.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk or half-and-half is a better alternative than skim.
How do I know when steak tips are done?
They should be browned on the outside and cooked to your preferred internal temperature—medium is around 135°F (57°C).
Can I cook the steak and pasta in advance?
Yes. Cook both ahead of time and store separately, then combine and reheat with the sauce when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a bit of cream or milk while reheating and stir frequently to maintain the smooth texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the cream sauce, which may separate upon thawing. It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rotini Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your kitchen. With its spicy, tender steak and creamy, cheesy pasta, it’s a perfect choice for any night you want something both bold and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
PrintCajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rotini Parmesan Sauce
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rotini Parmesan Sauce is a bold and creamy pasta dish featuring tender, Cajun-seasoned steak tips and rotini pasta tossed in a rich parmesan cheese sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal packed with flavor.
- 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 rotini 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 rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheese (if using) until melted and smooth.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Return steak tips to the skillet and fold into the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best steak texture.
- Omit or reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder version.
- Optional mozzarella adds extra creaminess to the sauce.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain sauce consistency.
- Best enjoyed fresh; not recommended for freezing due to cream-based sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg