One-Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, mingling with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning and the sweet tang of honey… that’s the smell of pure comfort cooking in my Texas kitchen. This One-Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta is a weeknight champion. It’s a flavor explosion that comes together faster than you can order takeout, and trust me, with two little ones running around, that’s saying something! I’ve made this particular recipe at least half a dozen times, tweaking it until it was just right. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll reach for again and again.

Prepare for a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that even picky eaters will devour. You’ll get a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy those precious family moments.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, weeknights are chaotic. This recipe is designed for exactly that! It delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it a lifesaver for busy families.

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, reducing cleanup to almost nothing.
• Kid-Approved Flavors: The blend of Cajun spice, honey, and garlic is a surprisingly kid-friendly combination that my own kids adore.
• Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in under half an hour.
• Adaptable: Easily customize the spice level or add your favorite veggies.

I’ve tested this recipe countless times, and I’m confident that you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive meal, even on the busiest weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Sirloin Steak: I prefer sirloin because it’s relatively lean and cooks quickly, but you could also use flank steak or ribeye. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Cajun Seasoning: Use your favorite brand! I love Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning, which is readily available in most grocery stores. You can also make your own blend.

Pasta: Penne and rotini work well because their ridges catch the creamy sauce, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like. I’ve even made this with gluten-free pasta with great results.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice. You can substitute maple syrup if needed, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, bring 6 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to work in batches to get a good sear.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Add Spices. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This step really wakes up those Cajun flavors.

Step 4: Create the Sauce. Pour in the honey and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Combine and Serve. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the steak and sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the best results.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less Cajun seasoning and omit the red pepper flakes. You can always add more later.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-grated Parmesan.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms all work well. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the other ingredients.
• Make it Kid-Friendly: Reduce the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, and add a little extra honey for a sweeter flavor. My kids also love it when I cut the steak into smaller pieces.
• Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip scraping up those browned bits from the bottom of the skillet after searing the steak. They add so much flavor to the sauce!

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store leftover One-Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Make-Ahead: You can chop the steak and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored separately. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the recipe instructions.

Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping! Divide the cooked pasta into individual containers and store in the refrigerator for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. I’ve had great success with brown rice pasta.

Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Vegetarian: Replace the steak with grilled halloumi cheese or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Spicy: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for a spicier dish. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Different Protein: Swap the steak for chicken, shrimp, or sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prep components ahead. Chop the steak and veggies a day in advance. The sauce can also be made and stored separately. Just combine everything when you’re ready to cook.

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer! For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, it should be 135-145°F. Remember the steak will continue to cook slightly once removed from the heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great because of their texture, but feel free to use your favorite. Bowtie, fettuccine, or even shells will work well.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own Cajun seasoning blend! Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, with a few adjustments! Reduce the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. You can also add a touch of extra honey for sweetness. My kids also love it when I use smaller pasta shapes.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the pasta and sauce might change slightly upon thawing. The cream sauce can sometimes separate. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s cooled completely first, and use an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread.

For a fancier presentation, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat and visual appeal.

For families, portion out the pasta into individual bowls and let everyone customize their own with extra cheese or a sprinkle of herbs.

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and delicious.

I hope you and your family love this One-Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta as much as we do. It’s a staple in our Texas home, and I know it will be in yours too. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more easy and delicious family recipes, be sure to sign up for my newsletter or explore other recipes at FamiliesRecipes.com.

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