If you’re craving a dish that packs bold flavors wrapped in a luscious, creamy sauce, the Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender, perfectly seasoned steak slices, a rich Cajun-infused butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a comforting one-pan meal that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this skillet recipe delivers irresistible flavor and creamy satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each contributing something special to the taste, texture, or color of your dish. From the hearty steak to the creamy Parmesan finish, every element plays a key role in making the Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe shine.
- Ribeye or flank steak (2 slices, thinly sliced): Provides tender, juicy meat with plenty of flavor that pairs perfectly with Cajun spices.
- Pasta (12 oz penne or fettuccine): The pasta acts as the comforting base, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for searing the steak, offering a slight fruity undertone and preventing sticking.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons): The star of the flavor profile, bringing smoky, spicy notes.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances the smokiness for deeper complexity.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle, warm garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Brings a mild sweetness that complements the spices.
- Minced garlic (4 cloves): Fresh garlic gives a fragrant punch and freshness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The base of the sauce that creates luscious creaminess and balance.
- Beef broth (½ cup): Introduces savory depth and enhances the steak’s meaty richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce for an extra layer of umami and silky texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, perfect for bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a bright, herbaceous pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. This step ensures your pasta has just the right bite and is ready to soak up the delicious sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for that perfect sear. Toss in your thinly sliced steak, seasoning it generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the steak is nicely browned on the outside. Then, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside, saving those flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
With the skillet still on the heat, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until aromatic but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine and deglazing the pan to lift all those glorious steak flavors. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly, setting the stage for your creamy Cajun butter sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Steak
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir it into the creamy sauce, making sure every noodle is coated. Then add the seared steak back into the mix and toss everything together. This step ensures every bite is bursting with that perfect blend of tender meat and velvety sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet’s contents and let it melt smoothly into the sauce over another 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed — this final touch makes the dish shine in richness and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only livens up the plate with vibrant green color but also adds a subtle herbal freshness that balances the creamy, spicy sauce beautifully. You might also enjoy a dusting of extra Parmesan if you want that cheesy goodness to really pop.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed seasonal veggies adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls also make fantastic companions for soaking up every last bit of the creamy Cajun sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a garnish of microgreens or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You could also plate the dish alongside roasted vegetables arranged artfully to elevate the presentation for guests or a special family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it a delicious next-day dinner or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to keep it for short-term storage. Place cooled pasta and steak in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating works too, but do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the steak.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye and flank steak are great options for their flavor and tenderness, but you can also use sirloin or even skirt steak. Just adjust cooking time according to thickness to keep your steak juicy.
What pasta works best for the Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are perfect because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy once mixed with the sauce.
Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
Cajun seasoning typically has a mild to moderate heat level with smoky and savory spices. If you prefer it less spicy, start with less seasoning and adjust to your taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. The dish will still be rich, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.
How can I get a good sear on the steak without overcooking it?
Use a hot skillet and avoid crowding the pan to ensure the steak browns quickly without steaming. Slicing the steak thinly helps it cook through quickly while achieving a nice caramelized crust.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the bold kick of Cajun spices and tender steak. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to impress anyone at your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every rich, flavorful bite!
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Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistible Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet combines tender ribeye steak with a rich, creamy Cajun sauce, perfectly coating al dente penne or fettuccine pasta. With vibrant spices and a luscious Parmesan finish, it’s an easy one-pan meal that delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 ribeye steaks or flank steak, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil, allowing them to melt and combine.
- Season and Sear Steak: Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for 4 to 5 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Pasta: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to fully coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Combine Steak and Pasta: Add the cooked steak back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the steak and pasta are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mixture and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the dish warm for optimal flavor.
Notes
- Use ribeye for a richer flavor or flank steak for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less creamy.
- Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
