Description
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
