Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rotini Parmesan Sauce: A Bold and Comforting Dinner Masterpiece

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rotini Parmesan Sauce recipe is a delicious fusion of spice, richness, and comfort. Tender, perfectly seasoned steak tips are seared to perfection, then tossed with creamy, cheesy pasta that’s loaded with Parmesan flavor. The Cajun seasoning brings a smoky heat that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety sauce, while the rotini catches every bit of the creamy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion. I once tried this with smoked paprika in the Cajun mix, and it added a depth of flavor that made it irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe delivers bold flavor and comforting satisfaction in every bite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak tips – The heart of the dish. Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum juiciness.

Cajun seasoning – A flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano that brings smoky heat and a burst of Southern flair.

Olive oil – Used for searing the steak, adding a subtle richness and helping the seasoning adhere.

Butter – Adds depth and richness to both the steak and the sauce, creating a silky, restaurant-style texture.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic enhances the savory notes of both the steak and the sauce.

Rotini pasta – The perfect pasta for this dish, as its spiral shape holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully.

Heavy cream – The base of the Parmesan sauce, giving it an indulgent, velvety texture.

Parmesan cheese – Sharp and salty, it melts into the cream to create a luxurious, cheesy sauce.

Mozzarella cheese – Adds stretchiness and a mild creaminess that complements the Parmesan perfectly.

Chicken broth – Helps loosen the sauce while adding a savory undertone that enhances the overall flavor.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the bold Cajun spice.

Parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and color as a final garnish.

Lemon juice (optional) – A small squeeze brightens the richness of the sauce and balances the flavors.

Directions

Start by seasoning the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steak tips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and caramelized. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Meanwhile, cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Finally, return the steak tips to the skillet, tossing gently to combine. Allow everything to heat through for 1–2 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan for an irresistible finish.

Equipment needed :

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 generous portions.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until creamy again. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the sauce and overcook the steak.

Variations and Customizations

Blackened Cajun Chicken Version
Swap the steak tips for seasoned chicken breast slices for a lighter yet equally flavorful dish.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Use shrimp instead of steak for a seafood twist with the same creamy Cajun kick.

Smoked Sausage Addition
Add slices of smoked sausage or andouille for an extra layer of smoky, savory goodness.

Three-Cheese Upgrade
Mix in sharp cheddar or Gruyère along with Parmesan and mozzarella for a deeper cheesy flavor.

Vegetable Boost
Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra texture and color.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Skip the cream sauce and toss the Cajun steak tips in garlic butter with parsley for a low-carb option.

Lemon Herb Cream Sauce
Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme and basil for a lighter, Mediterranean-style twist.

Cajun Alfredo Fusion
Add cream cheese and extra Parmesan for a thicker, Alfredo-like sauce.

Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free rotini or rice pasta for a gluten-free adaptation that still holds the sauce beautifully.

Bacon Lovers’ Edition
Crisp up bacon pieces and crumble them over the finished dish for smoky crunch and richness.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for steak tips?
Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin cuts work beautifully because they’re tender and cook quickly.

Can I make my own Cajun seasoning?
Yes! Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be slightly thinner — add extra cheese for thickness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook the steak and make the sauce ahead, but assemble fresh for best texture.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or farfalle all hold the sauce nicely.

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
It has a mild to medium heat; adjust cayenne to your liking.

Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?
Asiago or Romano cheese works well for a similar salty, nutty flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat medium-low when adding cream and cheese; avoid boiling once added.

What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad complement it perfectly.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative, though flavor will vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rotini Parmesan Sauce recipe delivers everything you crave in a single dish — rich, creamy comfort with a bold, spicy twist. The tender Cajun-seasoned steak paired with luscious Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked rotini creates a harmony of flavor that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Whether for a family dinner or an impressive date-night meal, it’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Once you make it, this will quickly become a favorite on your dinner rotation.

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