Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta Recipe

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Juicy, seared steak tips meet a rich and creamy Cajun-spiced macaroni and cheese—this isn’t just a meal, it’s a full-on flavor experience. Imagine tender cubes of steak, perfectly caramelized with a smoky crust, nestled beside silky pasta coated in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce with just the right kick of Cajun heat. It’s bold, satisfying, and ridiculously comforting.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to impress someone with a knockout dinner, this dish delivers. It’s the kind of recipe that brings steakhouse vibes into your kitchen but with the warmth of a cozy home-cooked meal. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

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Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home: No need to dine out for that rich steak and creamy pasta fix.
• Perfect flavor balance: The Cajun seasoning adds smoky depth and a touch of heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy mac.
• Crowd-pleasing combo: Steak and mac & cheese are a dream team—together they make an unforgettable dish.
• Versatile for any occasion: Serve it for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep with ease.
• Customizable: Use your favorite cheese blend or adjust the Cajun spice to your preferred level of heat.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (And Why You Need Them):

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: This is crucial for getting that golden-brown sear on your steak tips. The even heat retention gives the steak a deep, flavorful crust.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling your macaroni to a perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: To quickly and efficiently drain your pasta without losing any pieces.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for making the cheese sauce—allows for slow, even melting of cheese without burning.
• Whisk: Essential when making the roux (butter + flour) and mixing in the cheese for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the steak into even bite-sized tips—consistency helps them cook evenly.
• Cutting Board: Keeps your prep clean and organized, especially when handling raw meat.
• Meat Tongs or Spatula: Helps flip steak tips without piercing them and losing their juices.

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Preparation Tips

• Bring Steak to Room Temp: Let your steak sit out for 20–30 minutes before cooking. This ensures an even sear and better texture.
• Preheat Your Skillet Well: You want a hot surface when the steak hits the pan—this creates the crust you’re after.
• Salt Pasta Water Generously: Think “salty like the sea.” It’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steak tips in batches if needed. Overcrowding causes them to steam, not sear.
• Use Room Temp Dairy: Cold milk or cream can break your cheese sauce. Let them warm slightly before using.
• Save Some Pasta Water: The starchy liquid helps adjust sauce consistency and makes everything cling beautifully.

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Ingredients for This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta Recipe

For the Steak Tips:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter (for finishing, optional)

For the Cajun Mac & Cheese:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Dash of hot sauce (optional, for heat lovers)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh chopped parsley
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika
• Extra shredded cheese

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Step 1: Season and Prep the Steak Tips

Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss them with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prep the pasta and sauce.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

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

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Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steak tips in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and rest for 5 minutes. Optional: Toss with a tablespoon of butter for added richness.

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Step 4: Make the Cajun Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden (this is your roux). Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.

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Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Turn heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gradually, stirring until melted. Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce (if using). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat every piece. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

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Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the creamy Cajun mac & cheese into serving bowls or plates. Top with the juicy steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley, a light dusting of smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

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Notes

• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce if you love it spicy, or tone it down for a milder version.
• Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Gruyère for a flavor twist.
• Make It a Meal Prep Star: This dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers or weekly meal planning.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Steak Rest Time: Cutting into your steak tips too soon causes juices to run out, leaving them dry. Let them rest!
• Overcooking the Pasta: You want it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy once mixed with the cheese sauce.
• Adding Cold Milk to Roux: This can cause your sauce to clump or break—always warm your milk and cream slightly.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can result in a gritty sauce.
• Crowding the Pan with Steak: That steam will ruin the sear. Cook in batches if your skillet is small.
• Not Tasting as You Go: Cajun seasoning blends vary in salt and spice—taste and adjust at every stage.

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What to Serve With Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta?

Here Are 8 Great Pairing Ideas:

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Toast: Something crispy on the side to scoop up every bit of that creamy sauce.
2. Simple Green Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus: Adds a touch of green and a roasted crunch that complements the creamy pasta.
4. Cajun Corn on the Cob: Buttered and lightly spiced corn goes hand-in-hand with the Cajun flavors.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crispy texture offer a nice contrast to the bold flavors.
6. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic: Quick, simple, and flavorful enough to stand beside the main dish.
7. Pickled Jalapeños or Slaw: For a tangy, crunchy counterpoint that cuts through the creamy richness.
8. Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions bring a smoky element that ties in beautifully with the steak tips.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Let the dish cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
For best results, freeze the pasta and steak separately. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the cheese sauce. For steak tips, gently warm in a skillet to avoid overcooking.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 720 kcal
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 44g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Serving Size: ~1 ½ cups
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop & Searing
• Cuisine: Cajun-American
• Diet: High-protein, comfort food

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, or even New York strip all work great. Just make sure the steak is tender and marbled for best results.

2. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate Cajun kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or skipping the hot sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep the steak and cheese sauce in advance. Reheat gently and combine before serving.

4. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can mix your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the cheese sauce with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

6. How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy?

Use freshly shredded cheese, warm milk, and don’t overheat the sauce—melt the cheese slowly on low heat.

7. What cheeses can I substitute?

Try Pepper Jack for extra spice, or Gouda and Gruyère for a more gourmet feel. Just make sure they melt well.

8. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely! Peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms sautéed and mixed in would be delicious and boost the nutrition.

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Conclusion

This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta is where comfort food meets bold, smoky flavor. With tender, juicy steak tips seared to perfection and nestled over rich, cheesy Cajun macaroni, this recipe is bound to become a repeat favorite. It’s surprisingly simple to make but packed with impressive flavor that makes it feel like a restaurant-quality meal.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner idea, something to wow your guests, or just a satisfying meal to enjoy on a weeknight, this dish covers it all. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite combo: steak + Cajun mac.

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