Description
Juicy garlic Parmesan steak bites tossed with creamy Cajun-spiced twisted pasta for a bold, cozy, weeknight-meets-date-night dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 ounces twisted pasta (gemelli or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Pat steak dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
- Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Sear steak bites in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate and rest.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in heavy cream, chicken broth, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and toss pasta into the Cajun cream sauce, loosening with splashes of pasta water as needed.
- Return steak and any juices to the skillet. Sprinkle in Parmesan, toss to coat, adjust salt and pepper, and finish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak for a crisp, caramelized crust.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to every twist and curve.
- For less heat, reduce Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan steak bites, cajun pasta, creamy cajun pasta, steak pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food