Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

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Creamy, spicy, rich, and absolutely irresistible—Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is the kind of comfort food that turns any weeknight into a celebration. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti twirled in a velvety, Cajun-spiced garlic butter cream sauce, then crowned with juicy, seared beef strips. Every bite is a harmony of bold flavors and satisfying textures that will keep you coming back for more.

This dish is a dream for pasta lovers who want something more indulgent and hearty. It’s got the kind of depth you’d expect at a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a flavorful dinner, this creamy pasta with a kick is your next go-to meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

• Big, bold flavors: Cajun seasoning adds heat and depth, perfectly balanced by the richness of garlic butter and cream.
• Restaurant-style at home: This dish looks and tastes gourmet without requiring professional skills.
• One-pan sauce magic: The creamy sauce comes together quickly in a single pan, soaking into every strand of pasta.
• Juicy beef strips: Perfectly seared and seasoned steak takes this meal to another level of delicious.
• Customizable heat: Adjust the Cajun spice to suit your tolerance—from mild warmth to full-on fiery.
• Crowd-pleaser: It’s a hit with both pasta lovers and meat eaters—ideal for family dinners or impressing guests.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Before you dive into cooking, gathering the right tools will make this creamy Cajun pasta adventure a smooth and enjoyable ride. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

• Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Skillet: Essential for getting that rich, caramelized sear on the beef strips. A non-stick pan won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A roomy pot ensures the spaghetti cooks evenly without sticking.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Useful for flipping the beef without piercing it, keeping juices inside.
• Colander: For draining the pasta quickly and efficiently while keeping it al dente.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Needed to slice the beef into strips and prep your garlic or herbs.
• Whisk or Wooden Spoon: Helps blend the garlic butter sauce smoothly with no lumps.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For nailing the right spice-to-cream ratio, especially with bold Cajun seasoning.

Having these tools ready before you start saves time and ensures the dish comes together seamlessly with no overcooked pasta or rushed sauce.

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Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Beef: Let your beef sit out for about 15–20 minutes before searing. It helps achieve a better crust and more even cooking.
• Salt Your Pasta Water Like the Sea: A well-salted pot of boiling water brings out the full flavor of the spaghetti.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out about ½ cup of the starchy water. It’s liquid gold that helps emulsify your sauce if it gets too thick.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing beef, give each strip space. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic just doesn’t hit the same in this recipe. Freshly minced cloves offer a sweeter, more aromatic kick.
• Spice Control: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less Cajun seasoning and taste as you go.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

To make this flavorful, restaurant-worthy pasta dish at home, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s your full ingredient list:

For the Beef Strips:

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, sliced into strips
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• Salt for pasta water

For the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust based on spice preference)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed, for sauce consistency)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

This combination of juicy seared beef, rich creamy sauce, and spice-packed Cajun flavor makes this a knockout dish. Adjust the seasoning levels to your taste, and you’re on your way to pasta bliss.

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Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes). Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef Strips

Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef strips in batches—about 1–2 minutes per side—until a nice crust forms. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet (no need to clean it), lower the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

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Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to whisk until melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently using tongs to fully coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a splash of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

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Step 6: Add the Beef and Finish

Place the seared beef strips over the creamy Cajun spaghetti. Let them warm through for a minute or two, or stir them gently into the pasta if preferred. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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Step 7: Plate and Serve

Serve immediately while hot. Make sure each plate gets a generous helping of beef and plenty of that creamy, spicy sauce.

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Notes

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work best due to their tenderness and flavor. Avoid overly lean cuts, which can turn tough when seared.
• Balance the Heat: Cajun seasoning brands vary in spice levels. Taste before you add the full amount, and adjust accordingly.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating fresh Parmesan cheese (instead of using pre-shredded) ensures a smoother, silkier sauce that melts beautifully.
• Make it Saucy: If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up before serving.
• Customize Add-Ins: You can toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Beef: This is the most common mistake. A quick, hot sear is all you need. Overcooked beef strips become chewy.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast—if it goes from golden to brown, it turns bitter and ruins the base of your sauce. Keep the heat moderate.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: This starchy water is key to marrying the sauce and spaghetti together. Don’t forget to reserve it!
• Overloading Cajun Seasoning Early: Adding too much at the start can overpower the sauce and make it too salty or spicy. Season gradually and taste as you go.
• Using Cold Cream or Cheese: Cold ingredients can cause the sauce to split. Let your cream sit out for a few minutes before adding it.
• Crowding the Pan When Searing: The beef needs space to brown. Sear in batches if necessary to keep the temperature consistent.
• Undercooking the Pasta: Make sure your spaghetti is properly al dente so it can hold up against the creamy sauce without turning mushy.
• Rushing the Sauce: Let the cream simmer a few minutes before adding cheese. Patience helps the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.

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What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips?

The bold and creamy profile of this pasta pairs well with lighter sides and refreshing contrasts. Whether you’re serving a full dinner or just want a few additions, here are some ideas to round out your plate.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette
   Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect partner for mopping up the extra creamy Cajun sauce.
2. Simple Green Salad
   A crisp mix of romaine, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh, acidic contrast to balance the richness of the dish.
3. Grilled Asparagus
   Lightly charred asparagus adds a subtle smokiness and crunch that complements the creamy texture of the pasta.
4. Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts
   Oven-roasted veggies with a touch of lemon zest and olive oil offer a slightly bitter and earthy note to cut through the butter and cream.
5. Parmesan Zucchini Fries
   Baked zucchini fries with a sprinkle of Parmesan can serve as a lighter, crispier side option.
6. Chilled Cucumber Salad
   Cool, tangy, and refreshing—perfect for taming the Cajun heat on your tongue.
7. Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
   Sweet corn slathered in herbed butter is a summer-friendly pairing that works wonderfully with Cajun flavors.
8. Sparkling Lemon Water or Citrus Iced Tea
   For drinks, go light and zesty. A sparkling lemon drink or minty iced tea balances the spicy, creamy richness.

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Good news—Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips stores and reheats beautifully with just a little care.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid high heat—it can make the beef chewy and cause the sauce to separate.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The cream-based sauce may split when thawed, and the pasta will likely turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving, assuming 4 servings total)

• Calories: ~720 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: <1g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 720mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs work great. Just slice thinly, season similarly, and cook until golden and fully done.

2. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a warm, flavorful kick from the Cajun seasoning. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and sauce ahead, but for best texture and flavor, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.

4. What’s the best type of cream to use?

Heavy cream is ideal for a rich, velvety sauce. You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.

5. How do I keep the sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat on low to medium, and don’t add cold cream straight to a hot pan. Let dairy come to room temp before using.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. It will change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.

7. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own: mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

8. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne all hold up well to the creamy sauce and beef.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is the kind of dish that makes dinnertime something to look forward to. With its luxurious, spicy cream sauce and tender, seared beef strips, it brings bold flavor and comforting richness to your table. The best part? It’s weeknight-easy but fancy enough to impress guests.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your pasta game, need a cozy dinner idea, or want a one-dish meal that checks every box—this one delivers. Bookmark it, master it, and watch it become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

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