There’s something about skillet meals that feels like comfort served straight from the heart. This Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet is no exception. I first whipped this up on a lazy Sunday, craving something indulgent but with a fiery kick, and it has since become a regular craving in my household. Perfectly seared strips of steak nestled in a bed of al dente penne, all drenched in a smoky Cajun cheddar sauce—it’s the kind of dish that hugs your taste buds and makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds).

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What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to put together, yet the final dish tastes like something out of a high-end bistro. The Cajun seasoning adds bold, spiced layers to the creamy sauce, while sharp cheddar brings depth and richness. The juicy steak? That’s the crowning glory—tender, peppery, and seared to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or need a crowd-pleaser for a family dinner, this one-pan meal delivers in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

This dish combines everything you want in a comfort meal: it’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and hearty. The seared steak adds protein and decadence, while the pasta acts as a satisfying base that soaks up the flavorful sauce. It all comes together in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your evening. The bold Cajun flavor paired with creamy cheddar is a match made in flavor heaven—and you’ll keep coming back to it again and again.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For this skillet, you want a cut that cooks quickly and stays juicy—think sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. I usually go for sirloin because it strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and flavor without breaking the bank. Slice it thin against the grain to keep each bite tender and ensure it sears fast in a hot skillet. If you’re feeling fancy, ribeye will give you that extra marbling for a buttery richness.

Options for Substitutions

You can tailor this dish to fit what you have in the fridge or to suit your dietary needs:

Chicken Instead of Steak: Swap the beef for boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Cajun chicken pasta is just as iconic.
Vegan or Vegetarian: Use plant-based steak alternatives or even mushrooms like portobello for a meaty texture.
Pasta Choices: Penne holds sauce beautifully, but rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work just as well.
Cheese Substitutes: Sharp cheddar adds tang and depth, but you could use Monterey Jack for a milder melt, or pepper jack for more spice.
Cajun Seasoning Adjustments: Store-bought works great, but you can mix your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

This dish is incredibly adaptable while still delivering big flavor. So don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Ingredients for This Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

Penne Pasta
Penne is the perfect vessel for creamy sauces, with its ridges and hollow center capturing every bit of flavor.
Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye)
The star protein. Sliced thin and seared, it adds hearty texture and depth to the dish.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its richness and that luscious melt—essential for the creamy comfort we’re aiming for.
Heavy Cream
This forms the base of the sauce, making it silky and indulgent without overpowering the Cajun flavors.
Cajun Seasoning
Smoky, spicy, and savory—this seasoning is what sets the dish apart. It adds the signature kick and warmth.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic brings a savory base note that deepens the flavor of the cream sauce.
Butter
Used to sauté the garlic and help sear the steak, butter adds a rich, golden foundation to the sauce.
Olive Oil
Helps in achieving a perfect sear on the steak without burning, balancing the butter’s richness.
Salt & Black Pepper
These simple seasonings help balance and elevate all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
A little grated Parmesan at the end can enhance the umami and give the dish a more layered cheesy taste.

Each ingredient has a role in building the creamy, spicy, cheesy, and savory personality of this skillet dish.

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, pat your steak strips dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high with olive oil and a little butter. Sear the steak in batches if needed—about 1-2 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a little more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in more Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Cheeses

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using) until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your chance to dial in the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and gently toss it in the sauce until fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it right up. Add the seared steak back in and toss lightly to combine.

Step 6: Optional Oven Finish

If you want a cheesy, golden top, sprinkle some extra cheddar on top and place the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

With everything mixed and melted to perfection, your Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet is ready to serve.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 to 40 minutes:

Pasta Boiling: 10 minutes
Steak Searing: 5–7 minutes
Sauce Preparation: 10 minutes
Combining & Final Touches: 5–8 minutes
Optional Broil for Cheese Topping: 2–3 minutes

It’s a relatively quick meal, especially considering how luxurious and hearty the final result feels.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stop at al dente. The pasta will absorb some sauce later and soften more.
Rest the Steak: Let the seared steak rest for a couple of minutes before adding it back—this helps retain juices.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
Control the Cajun Heat: Not all Cajun blends are created equal. Start with a little and build up to your desired heat level.
Broil with Caution: If going for the cheesy topping finish, keep a close eye—cheese can burn quickly under a broiler.
Stir Continuously While Melting Cheese: To avoid clumps or separating, melt cheese into the cream slowly and stir gently.

These small steps make a big difference in delivering a creamy, perfectly balanced skillet every time.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the Skillet with Steak
Searing too many strips at once will steam the meat instead of giving it that rich brown crust. Cook in batches for the best texture.
Skipping the Seasoning on Pasta Water
Bland pasta leads to bland bites. Salt the pasta water generously—it’s your first layer of flavor.
Adding Cheese Too Fast
Dumping cheese into hot cream all at once can cause clumping. Always add gradually and stir until fully melted before adding more.
Overcooking the Steak
Thin strips of steak can go from juicy to tough in seconds. Sear quickly and don’t be tempted to leave it in the pan too long.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
It doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheddar. This can lead to a grainy or greasy sauce.
Skipping the Pasta Water Reserve
A splash of pasta water can bring your sauce to just the right consistency. Don’t forget to save some before draining.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet?

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

A crispy, garlicky side that brings a nice contrast to the creaminess of the pasta.

Warm Buttery Breadsticks

Perfect for swiping up that luscious Cajun cheddar sauce left on the plate.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to this rich dish.

Cajun-Spiced Corn on the Cob

Double down on the Cajun theme with some grilled corn dusted in more of that smoky seasoning.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

For a low-carb contrast, serve this skillet next to velvety mashed cauliflower.

A Glass of Red Wine or Sparkling Water with Lime

Rich dishes like this shine alongside bold reds or refreshing citrus drinks.

Cherry Tomato & Mozzarella Skewers

These bite-sized, fresh skewers lighten up the table and add great texture.

Each of these pairings complements the spicy, cheesy notes of the skillet while adding something refreshing or savory to the meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet store well, making it a great meal for future lunches or quick dinners:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but it reheats nicely with a splash of milk or water.
Freezer: While you can freeze this, creamy sauces with cheese don’t always reheat smoothly. If freezing, allow to cool completely and use a freezer-safe container. Consume within 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove while stirring often.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat on the stove over low heat with a bit of liquid (milk, cream, or water) to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals (30–45 seconds), stirring in between, until warmed through.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Estimates may vary depending on brands and portion sizes.

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~680
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 18% DV

This dish is rich, protein-packed, and indulgent—perfect for when you want to treat yourself to something bold and comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet?

It’s moderately spicy—enough to give a kick, but the cream and cheese mellow it out. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with half the Cajun seasoning and add more as you taste.

Can I use pre-cooked steak or leftover steak?

Absolutely. Just slice it thin and add it at the end to warm through in the sauce. Avoid cooking it further to keep it tender.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can easily mix your own using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. There are plenty of homemade blends online too.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free penne and ensuring your Cajun seasoning and cheese are GF-certified.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the pasta, steak, and even the sauce ahead—store them separately and combine when ready to serve for best texture.

What kind of cheese melts best for this dish?

Freshly grated sharp cheddar is ideal. For even smoother melting, you can mix in a bit of mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

How can I add more veggies to this?

Sauté bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the same skillet before adding the cream for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this dish lighter?

Yes! Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, and go with leaner steak cuts like flank or sirloin tip.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Steak & Cheddar Penne Skillet is everything I want in a one-pan dinner—bold flavor, satisfying textures, and an indulgent creamy finish that feels like pure comfort. It’s easy enough for weeknights but rich and impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or a dinner that earns rave reviews, this skillet delivers. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable and always satisfying.