There was a week we lived on pasta and prayer. My parents were stretched thin, and dinner had to be fast, filling, and fearless. That’s when Cajun steak penne became our go-to.
Years later, I gave it a creamy twist—bold, sweet, cheesy, and still perfect for easy weeknight dinner recipes or meal prep for beginners. It’s not high protein vegetarian meals—but it’s family, flavor, and fire in every bite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce Recipe Guide
Ingredients Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt, to taste
1 pinch black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside—but save a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and sear the steak
While the pasta cooks, toss your steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the sauce base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, ranch dressing, and honey. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors come together.
Step 4: Add the flavor
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Once it smells dreamy and starts to thicken, add the shredded cheddar. Stir until it melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Bring it all together
Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat. Return the steak to the pan and stir gently to combine. Let it all cook together for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce hugs every piece.
When you’re not in the mood for high protein vegetarian meals but still want easy weeknight dinner recipes with flair, this one delivers.
What Makes This Cajun Steak Penne So Addictive
Sweet and smoky meets creamy and rich
The Cajun-seasoned steak adds that bold, smoky flavor
– The creamy ranch-honey sauce balances heat with sweetness
– Cheddar melts into everything, coating the penne like velvet
– It’s rich, cheesy, and unforgettable—but still weeknight-easy
Dinner that delivers without the mess
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce:
– Cooks in one skillet—no juggling pans after work
– Perfect for dinner recipes for busy moms who need big flavor fast
– Pairs beautifully with comforting bacon onion tomato pie or something sweet like our Homemade Saltwater Taffy Rolls for dessert
– Feeds a crowd without draining your wallet—perfect for cheap meals for large families
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce Variations
Quick Ingredient Swaps
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce:
– No sirloin? Flank steak or chicken breast work too.
– No ranch? Greek yogurt with garlic and herbs makes a quick stand-in.
– No cream? Use half-and-half or full-fat milk for a lighter version.
Simple Add-Ons
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce:
– Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for color and texture.
– Toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for more kick.
– Swap in pepper jack cheese for a spicier finish.
– Use rotini or rigatoni if penne isn’t in the pantry.
Use what’s in your kitchen.
This dish pairs beautifully with cucumber ranch crack salad or alongside cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a full-flavor dinner.
Serving and Storing Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce
How to Serve It
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce:
– Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheddar.
– It pairs well with buttery garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
– For a full flavor combo, serve alongside cheesy garlic chicken wraps or a fresh banana berry parfait sundae to end the meal on a sweet note.
– It’s a one-dish dinner that feels both special and simple.
How to Store It
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce:
– Let everything cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
– Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
– You can also freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
– For best results, warm it slowly over low heat to keep the steak tender and the sauce silky.
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FAQs About Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce
What is Cajun seasoning made of?
It usually includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Some blends are spicier than others, so taste and adjust!
How do you keep steak tender in pasta dishes?
Sear it hot and fast. Thin strips of sirloin or flank steak stay juicy when cooked quickly over high heat, then added back in at the end to avoid drying out.
Can I make Cajun pasta sauce less spicy?
Absolutely. Cut the Cajun seasoning in half, or mix it with extra cream or ranch to mellow the heat. You can also skip the black pepper if you’re sensitive to spice.
What cheese goes best with Cajun steak pasta?
Cheddar melts well and stands up to bold flavors, but pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even gouda can work great depending on your taste.
Conclusion Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—bold, creamy, sweet, and savory in every bite.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for a weekend treat, and flexible enough to make your own. Whether you serve it with a crisp salad or pair it with your favorite comfort sides, it’s a meal that always brings people back to the table.
Print
Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey Cheese Sauce is a bold, creamy one-pan pasta packed with sweet heat and rich cheddar flavor—ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp honey
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt, to taste
1 pinch black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
4. Melt butter in the same skillet. Stir in cream, ranch, and honey. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
6. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
7. Add pasta and toss to coat. Return steak to pan and combine.
8. Let cook 2–3 more minutes until everything is heated through.
9. Top with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute chicken or turkey for steak.
Add red pepper flakes if you want more spice.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cajun steak penne, ranch pasta, honey cheese pasta, Cajun Steak Penne with Ranch Honey
