Mediterranean Garlic Parmesan Steak Penne with Creamy Cajun Sauce
A rich, restaurant-style pasta with seared steak, garlic parmesan cream sauce, Mediterranean accents, and a smoky Cajun finish.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Steak
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak or ribeye
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Water for boiling
- 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
Mediterranean Add-ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup black olives or Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Garlic Parmesan Cajun Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh basil
- Lemon zest
- Crushed red pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with:
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions.
Before draining:
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water
Drain and set aside.
3. Sear the Steak
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat.
Add olive oil.
Sear steak:
- 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare
- Longer if preferred
Remove steak and rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4. Build the Garlic Parmesan Cajun Sauce
In the same pan:
Melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Add:
- Parmesan cheese
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Chili flakes
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
If too thick:
- Add reserved pasta water gradually
Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Add Mediterranean Ingredients
Stir into the sauce:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Olives
- Spinach
Cook 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts slightly.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked penne directly into the sauce.
Toss until fully coated.
Fold in sliced steak gently.
Sprinkle parsley on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Lemon wedges for brightness
Flavor Profile
This dish combines:
- Smoky Cajun heat
- Rich garlic parmesan creaminess
- Savory steak
- Bright Mediterranean vegetables
- Tangy olives and sun-dried tomatoes
The result is creamy, spicy, savory, and slightly tangy with layers of texture.
Chef Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overcook the steak before adding it back to the pasta.
- Add shrimp with the steak for a surf-and-turf version.
- For lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- A splash of white wine before adding cream adds depth.
