Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Cajun Steak Pasta. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, blending perfectly seared, tender steak with pasta, all tossed in a luxuriously creamy and spicy Cajun sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen in under 40 minutes.
If you’re craving bold flavors and a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, you’ve found the perfect recipe. We’re combining simple ingredients to create a dish that is both elegant and incredibly easy to make. Let’s dive in!
Why This Cajun Steak Pasta Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. The magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The robust, smoky heat from the Cajun seasoning is perfectly mellowed by the rich, creamy sauce, creating a symphony of flavor in every bite.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of Cajun spices, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that is simply unforgettable.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Heat: You control the spice level. Easily adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your family’s preferences.
- Perfectly Tender Steak: We’ll show you how to cook the steak perfectly so it stays juicy and tender in the finished dish.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Cajun Steak Pasta
The success of this dish comes from using quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Steak & Pasta
- Steak: Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices. Look for a cut that is about 1-inch thick for the best results.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne work beautifully here, as they hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of both gives the steak a fantastic sear and rich flavor.
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Veggies: A classic mix of diced onion and colorful bell peppers adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This helps to deglaze the pan and forms the base of our sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key to a rich, luscious, and creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully and add a nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Cajun Steak Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dinner. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Steak
Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a perfect sear. Season it generously on all sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare, or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. This is a crucial step to keep the juices locked in!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the steak is resting, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this is where so much flavor is! Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
While your sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once the steak has rested for at least 10 minutes, slice it against the grain into thin strips. Add the cooked and drained pasta and the sliced steak into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are fully coated in that glorious Cajun cream sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Steak Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly when you add it back to the hot sauce. It’s better to undercook it slightly in the initial sear.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Grating your own ensures a smoother sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the starchy pasta water to thin it out to the perfect consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning to get it just right.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to make it your own with these ideas:
- Add Shrimp: For a true surf-and-turf experience, add some sautéed shrimp. Try it with this creamy Cajun chicken method.
- Different Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
What to Serve with Cajun Steak Pasta
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad can cut through the richness of the sauce. For a truly indulgent meal, serve it alongside some crusty Amish white bread or our popular garlic cheese bombs to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces and cook until no longer pink. For shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking the sauce, as they cook very quickly.
To make the pasta less spicy, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste. You can also use a mild Cajun seasoning blend.
There are two key steps: first, do not overcook the steak during the initial sear. Second, and most importantly, let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.
For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. A mixture of milk and a cornstarch slurry can also work to thicken the sauce.
The best cuts of steak for pasta are tender and flavorful ones like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. They cook quickly and remain tender when sliced thin against the grain.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this dish, be sure to check out our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo or this amazing Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
Time to Get Cooking!
This Cajun Steak Pasta recipe is a true showstopper that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or whenever you’re craving something incredibly delicious. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Cajun Steak Pasta Recipe
Cajun Steak Pasta: A Creamy, Spicy & Irresistible Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the steak dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Add the cooked pasta and sliced steak to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine until everything is coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't slice the steak until it has rested for at least 10 minutes to retain its juices.
Tip 3: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level of the dish.
