Introduction

There is something inherently comforting about the combination of a perfectly seared steak and a bowl of creamy pasta. But when you add a kick of Louisiana-style spice and a velvety, multi-cheese sauce, you elevate a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality masterpiece. This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate “best of both worlds” meal. You get the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of the South paired with the indulgent, gooey goodness of a triple-cheese Parmesan sauce.

As a food writer for ChefManiac, I’m always looking for recipes that deliver big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. This dish hits all the right notes: it’s fast, it’s hearty, and it uses clever shortcuts—like Velveeta for that perfect melt—to ensure your sauce is never grainy. Whether you are cooking for a hungry family or looking for a date-night “wow” factor, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve cooked a lot of comfort food in my time, from this Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo to deep-dish lasagnas, but this steak pasta holds a special place in my rotation.

First, the texture contrast is incredible. The bowtie pasta (farfalle) has those little nooks and crannies that hold onto the thick cheese sauce, while the steak tips provide a meaty, satisfying bite. Second, the Cajun seasoning cuts right through the richness of the cream and cheese, providing a balanced profile that keeps you coming back for another forkful. Lastly, it’s versatile. You can dial the heat up or down depending on your preference, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

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Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak Tips:

• 1.5 lbs Steak Tips: Sirloin or Ribeye work best. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For high-heat searing.
• 1.5 tsp Cajun Seasoning: Choose a low-sodium version if you want more control over the salt.
• 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, wood-fired aroma.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced.
• 2 tbsp Butter: To baste the steak and add richness.

For the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta:

• 12 oz Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The shape is perfect for clinging to the sauce.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth: Adds more depth than water alone.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: For that signature silky texture.
• 0.5 cup Shredded Mozzarella: (Optional) For extra “cheese pull” and gooiness.
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan: Use high-quality aged Parmesan for the best flavor.
• 6 oz Velveeta Cheese: Cubed. This is the secret to a perfectly smooth, emulsified sauce.
• 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: (Optional) For those who like an extra kick.
• 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water: Essential for thinning the sauce to your desired consistency.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh Parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• Additional Red Pepper Flakes

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Swaps and Notes

• The Meat: If you don’t have steak tips, you can swap in chicken breast or even shrimp. If you use chicken, I recommend checking out this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole for similar flavor inspiration.
• The Cheese: If you aren’t a fan of Velveeta, you can use a high-quality American cheese or a block of cream cheese, though the texture will vary slightly.
• Vegetables: Feel free to stir in some sautéed bell peppers or fresh spinach at the end to add some color and nutrition.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than the package directions). Important: Before draining, scoop out at least half a cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

2. Sear the Steak Tips

Pat your steak pieces dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to a good crust! Season them generously with the Cajun spice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the steak. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and tender. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate to rest.

3. Create the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it! those brown bits are flavor gold), pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer. Lower the heat and whisk in the Velveeta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir constantly until the sauce is completely melted and smooth. If it’s too thick, whisk in your reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

4. Combine

Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently until every piece of pasta is coated in that liquid gold.

5. Serve and Garnish

Plate a generous portion of the cheesy pasta and top it with the rested Cajun steak tips. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a professional finish.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the steak, do it in batches if necessary. If the pan is too full, the steak will steam instead of sear.
• Al Dente is Key: The pasta will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the hot cheese sauce, so undercooking it by a minute ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.
• Quality Cajun Spice: If your seasoning blend is very salty, reduce the extra salt added to the steak.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is quite rich, so I love pairing it with something crunchy or light. A crisp Caesar salad or roasted broccoli works perfectly. If you are serving this at a party alongside other finger foods, it pairs surprisingly well with these Sheet Pan Quesadillas or even a bowl of this Beer Cheese Dip for the true cheese lovers.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 36g
• Sodium: 980mg

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken significantly when cold. Avoid the microwave if possible; reheating gently on the stovetop will keep the steak tender.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this comforting pasta dish, you should definitely try:

• This Instant Pot Lasagna for a quicker take on a classic.
• This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo for more of those bold Southern spices.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a massive impact. It’s a meal that feels special but fits perfectly into a busy schedule.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more daily recipe inspiration!