Garlic Butter Cajun Steak Tips with Velveeta Parmesan Penne

Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak Tips

• 1½ lbs sirloin steak or steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Velveeta Parmesan Penne

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp pasta water (optional for thinning sauce)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Season the Steak

1. Pat steak pieces dry with paper towels.
2. Toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

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Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add steak tips in a single layer.
3. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
4. Lower heat slightly and add butter plus minced garlic.
5. Spoon the garlic butter over the steak for 1 minute.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley.

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Step 4: Make the Velveeta Parmesan Sauce

1. In another pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.
4. Add cubed Velveeta and Parmesan cheese.
5. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.

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Step 5: Combine

1. Toss cooked penne into the cheese sauce until coated.
2. Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter Cajun steak tips.
3. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

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Optional Add-Ins

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Spinach
• Crispy bacon bits
• Red pepper flakes for extra heat

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Quick Tips

• Use ribeye for extra juicy steak tips.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet while searing.
• Fresh Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.

Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.