Description
This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Linguine recipe combines tender, spicy steak tips with a rich and creamy cheesy pasta, creating a flavorful and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse the meat with bold flavors.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear them until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk and stir well. Add cream cheese, freshly grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss Linguine in Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the cheesy linguine and top with the seared Cajun steak tips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the steak seasoning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Rest the steak tips after cooking for juicier results.
- Adjust the cream and milk ratio to make the sauce lighter or richer to your taste.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.
