This Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that brings together the smoky heat of Cajun spices, the sweetness of honey, and the comforting creaminess of ranch and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta is a satisfying and indulgent twist on classic Cajun flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a beautiful balance of savory, spicy, and sweet. The juicy Cajun-seasoned steak pairs perfectly with the creamy ranch honey cheese sauce, coating every piece of penne with irresistible flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both comforting and exciting, and it comes together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt, to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream, ranch dressing, and honey. Stir until well combined and allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Once smooth, add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Return the cooked steak to the pan and mix everything together. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
Cheese Lovers: Try mixing in pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
Chicken Substitute: Replace the steak with chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter alternative.
Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta instead of penne.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye, flank, or sirloin tips all work well for this recipe.
2. Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dash of ranch seasoning mix.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
4. What type of Cajun seasoning is best?
A store-bought Cajun blend works fine, but homemade seasoning lets you control the spice level.
5. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini also pair beautifully with this sauce.
6. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add extra shredded cheese or let the sauce simmer longer to reduce.
7. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
8. What sides go well with this dish?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements it perfectly.
9. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms work great.
10. How can I reduce the spice level?
Use less Cajun seasoning or mix in a little extra honey or cream to balance the heat.
Conclusion
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce is a rich, satisfying meal that combines bold flavors and creamy comfort in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a family favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.
This Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce is a bold and creamy pasta dish that blends spicy Cajun-seasoned steak with a rich ranch-honey cheddar cheese sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt, to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak strips for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream, ranch dressing, and honey. Stir until well combined and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and creamy.
Add cooked penne pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Return the steak to the pan and stir to combine. Cook another 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning for more or less heat to suit your taste.
Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much while reheating.
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Make it a complete meal by stirring in sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
This dish is best served fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce.
