Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta (Big Flavor, Extra Creamy)
If you’re in the mood for a dinner that feels like a splurge—but still comes together fast—these Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta are calling your name. You get juicy, seared steak tips coated in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, piled over farfalle pasta swimming in a silky cheese sauce made with Velveeta (for smoothness) plus Parmesan and optional mozzarella for that melty stretch.
It’s bold, creamy, and just the right kind of indulgent. Perfect for a Friday night at home, a cozy date-night dinner, or any weeknight when you want something that tastes restaurant-level without restaurant effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Steak + creamy pasta is always a winning combo
- Cajun seasoning adds instant flavor with barely any work
- Velveeta keeps the sauce smooth (no graininess, no fuss)
- Ready in 40 minutes—totally doable on a weeknight
- Easy to customize with heat, cheese, and add-ins
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
Juicy Cajun steak tips served over creamy Parmesan bowtie pasta with Velveeta and mozzarella.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Pat steak tips dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add steak tips and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Velveeta, Parmesan, and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Plate the creamy pasta and top with Cajun steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 950 calories
- Fat: 55 g
- Carbs: 60 g
- Protein: 55 g
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Ingredients
Cajun steak tips
- 1.5 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut bite-size
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheesy Parmesan bowtie pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz Velveeta, cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
Swaps and Notes
- Steak options: Sirloin is budget-friendly and flavorful; ribeye is richer. You can also use strip steak cut into chunks.
- Heat control: Cajun blends vary a lot—start conservative if yours is salty/spicy, then adjust.
- Cheese swap: If you don’t want Velveeta, use cream cheese (about 4 oz) plus extra Parmesan, but the sauce won’t be quite as “silky.”
- Add veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great in the pasta.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (still creamy, just less rich).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil bowties in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season steak: Pat steak tips dry. Toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
- Sear steak: Add steak tips and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- Start sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt cheeses: Stir in Velveeta, Parmesan, and mozzarella (if using) until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Thin with pasta water as needed.
- Toss pasta: Add cooked bowties to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Serve: Plate pasta and top with Cajun steak tips. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Tips for Success
- Dry steak = better sear. Patting the steak tips dry helps them brown instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed so you get that golden crust.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. High heat can cause cheese sauces to separate.
- Use pasta water. A splash or two makes the sauce glossy and helps it cling to the bowties.
- Rest the steak briefly while you finish the sauce so it stays juicy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is rich and bold, so it’s best paired with something fresh and crunchy:
- A crisp side salad like Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken adds brightness and keeps the meal balanced.
- If you’re feeding a crowd or doing a potluck-style spread, add Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering for a chilled, make-ahead side.
- And if you’re a creamy-pasta fan, you’ll also love Fettuccine Alfredo: The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite for a classic “no spice, all comfort” option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 950
- Fat: 55 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 55 g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave tip: Heat in short bursts, stirring between, so the sauce stays creamy.
- Not ideal for freezing: Creamy cheese sauces can change texture after freezing, but it’s doable if reheated slowly with extra liquid.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re into hearty dinners and practical meal ideas, try these next:
- Fettuccine Alfredo: The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite
- Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
- Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering
- The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches
- Protein-Packed Egg Muffins for Easy Meal Prep
Final Thoughts
These Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta are the definition of comfort food with attitude—spiced, juicy steak over ultra-creamy pasta with a cheesy sauce that clings to every bowtie. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly quick to pull off.
If you make it, tell me how you tweaked it—extra spice, extra cheese, or added peppers and mushrooms? And if you want more bold, cozy dinners like this, follow along for more.
