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Creamy Cajun Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet

Seared steak pieces and al dente pasta tossed in a bold, creamy Cajun garlic butter sauce with Parmesan — a rich and satisfying one-skillet dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye) cut into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli) cooked al dente per package directions
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large pasta pot
  • Box grater

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside — do not rinse.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the steak pieces in a single layer and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned, turning once halfway through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  5. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their oils.
  6. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, stirring to incorporate with the garlic and spices.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat — do not allow it to boil aggressively.
  8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  9. Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
  10. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce consistency. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months — add a splash of cream when reheating after freezing. Sirloin is recommended for a leaner result; ribeye for a richer dish. Chicken or shrimp may be substituted for steak. Reduce Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for a milder version. Always grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest sauce.