Description
A bold, hearty one-pan meal with tender steak, Cajun-spiced pasta, peppers, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
ngredients:
• 1 lb beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
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Add peppers and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
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Return steak to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water to loosen as needed.
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Reduce heat to low and sprinkle in mozzarella and cheddar. Cover until melted, then stir gently until creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Adjust spice by reducing or increasing Cajun seasoning. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days and reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American