Cajun Steak Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Ingredients For the Cajun Steak :1.2 kg beef steak (sirloin, rump, or ribeye), cut into thick strips3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or homemade mix, see below)1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)1½ tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauceJuice of ½ lemon (optional, for tenderness) Homemade Cajun Seasoning (if needed):2 tsp paprika1 tsp cayenne (less for mild spice)1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp thyme ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp salt For the Pasta & Sauce :800 g penne or fettuccine3 tbsp butter 1 large onion, chopped 5 garlic cloves, minced 2 red or yellow bell peppers, sliced 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) 1½ cups beef broth cup cooking cream (or fresh cream) ½ cup milk ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (extra for sauce) 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives (for garnish) Instructions 1️⃣ Season & bake the steak 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).2. In a bowl, mix steak strips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.3. Spread steak on a lined baking tray.4. Bake 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra char, broil/grill 3 minutes at the end.5. Rest steak 5 minutes before slicing (keeps it juicy).2️⃣ Cook the pasta 1. Boil penne in salted water until al dente.2. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water.3️⃣ Make the Cajun cream sauce 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.2. Sauté onions until translucent, 3–4 minutes.3. Add garlic and bell peppers, cook 2–3 minutes.4. Stir in diced tomatoes and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, cooking 3–5 minutes until thickened.5. Pour in beef broth and simmer 5 minutes.6. Lower heat, stir in cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese .7. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency.4️⃣ Combine & Serve 1. Toss cooked pasta with sauce until well coated.2. Slice steak strips and arrange on top of pasta.3. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives .4. Serve immediately and enjoy a creamy, spicy, indulgent pasta dinner Prep Time: 15–20 min | Cook Time: 25–30 min | Total Time: 40–50 min🍽️ Servings: 4–6