The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.

Bold Cajun Steak Creamy Honey Pasta Skillet

Bold Cajun Steak Creamy Honey Pasta Skillet is a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to wow your taste buds. Tender steak with Cajun spices, a creamy sauce, and a hint of honey to balance the heat—what’s not to love? I made it once, and now it’s a regular in my dinner rotation.

The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick, while the creamy sauce is smooth and indulgent. The honey gives it a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the bold flavors. And the steak? Juicy, perfectly seared, and packed with flavor.

If you love rich, spicy, and creamy pasta, this is the dish for you. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a dinner party, or whenever you want a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor. I always make extra because it’s too good to have just one serving.

Let’s cook this up together! This bold Cajun steak creamy honey pasta skillet is simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors. You won’t want to miss out on this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Yet Balanced: The Cajun spice gives it kick, while honey and cream mellow it out for a perfectly rich sauce.
  • Steakhouse Quality at Home: With quality sirloin and real Parmesan, you’re bringing big flavor without the cost.
  • Easy Cleanup: One pan, minimal mess. Less time scrubbing means more time enjoying.
  • Filling and Satisfying: Hearty steak, cozy pasta, creamy sauce—it’s a full meal.
  • Customizable: Works with any short pasta, different proteins, or a little extra spice if that’s your thing.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: Around 55 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 large servings or 6 medium portions. Great for a family dinner or meal prep.

Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate. You’ll need to multitask a bit, but nothing complicated. If you can brown steak and stir sauce, you’re good.

Required Kitchen Tools

  • Large deep skillet (nonstick or stainless)
  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs (optional but helpful for searing steak)
  • Medium saucepan (only if cooking pasta separately)

Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak:

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional but adds a pop of color)

Variations for Bold Cajun Steak Pasta

  • Swap the Pasta: Try rigatoni, shells, or even elbow macaroni.
  • Change the Protein: Chicken or shrimp work beautifully with this creamy Cajun base.
  • Adjust the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want more fire, or tone down the Cajun seasoning for a milder version.
  • Make it Smokier: Use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke in the sauce.
  • Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers or spinach can add color and nutrition.

How to Make Bold Cajun Steak Creamy Honey Pasta Skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Steak

Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels—this helps them sear instead of steam. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Let them rest while you prep the sauce ingredients.

2. Sear the Steak

Heat your skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking.
Remove the steak and set aside, keeping any flavorful bits in the pan.

3. Build the Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it), lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom to loosen all that good flavor.

Add the heavy cream, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—don’t boil it.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add the dry pasta straight into the sauce. Stir and let it simmer uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will soak up the flavor and cook right in the sauce.

5. Finish It Off

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce for a creamy finish.

Now, return the cooked steak to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes.

How to Serve Bold Cajun Steak Creamy Honey Pasta

  • Serve it hot: This pasta is best served right out of the skillet, when the sauce is silky and warm.
  • Add parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and color.
  • Pair it up: Try with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli on the side.
  • For spice-lovers: Offer crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the table.

Storing & Reheating Bold Cajun Steak Pasta

  • Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick.
  • Meal Prep Tip: You can make the steak ahead and refrigerate it separately. Combine with pasta and sauce when ready to serve.

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Don’t overcrowd the steak: Cook in batches if needed so the meat sears instead of steams.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and gives better flavor than pre-shredded.
  • Simmer gently: Avoid high heat once the cream goes in to prevent curdling.
  • Taste as you go: Cajun seasoning blends vary—adjust salt and spice to your liking.
  • Let the sauce thicken naturally: Resist adding extra cream too soon; it will thicken as the pasta cooks.

Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories~540 kcal
Protein30g
Carbohydrates45g
Fat28g
Saturated Fat12g
Fiber2g
Sugar7g
Sodium680mg
Cholesterol95mg
Calcium180mg
Iron3mg

Note: Nutrition estimates may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients used.

Bold Cajun Steak Creamy Honey Pasta Skillet

Recipe by Nancy HollarCourse: pasta recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

540

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Steak
  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

  • For the Pasta & Sauce
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup honey

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

  • Prep the Steak:
    Pat steak dry and toss with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Let sit while prepping other ingredients.
  • Sear the Steak:
    Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear steak in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • Build the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, then pour in beef broth. Stir and scrape the pan. Add cream, honey, salt, and pepper. Let simmer.
  • Cook Pasta in Sauce:
    Stir dry pasta into the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
  • Finish:
    Stir in Parmesan. Add steak back in and toss everything gently to combine. Let warm for a couple more minutes.
  • Serve:
    Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of steak?
Yes, ribeye or New York strip also work well. Just adjust cooking time for tenderness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the steak and prep the sauce in advance. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Swap the cream for unsweetened oat or coconut cream, and skip the cheese (or use a plant-based version).

Conclusion

This Bold Cajun Steak Creamy Honey Pasta Skillet is one of those comforting, crave-worthy meals that feels like a treat but comes together with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or prepping for the week, it’s a one-pan wonder that delivers every time. I keep coming back to this recipe when I want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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