Description
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips brings bold Cajun heat, luscious garlic butter sauce, and juicy seared beef all into one show-stopping pasta dish. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet flavor, ideal for those craving quick dinner ideas, bold food ideas, or a rich and creamy yet easy recipe. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to shake up your weeknight meals, this pasta promises to impress.
Ingredients
1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces spaghetti
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves finely minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 0.25 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Pat beef strips dry and season with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef strips in batches for 1–2 minutes per side. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and whisk. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Add cooked spaghetti and toss in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Return beef strips to the pan and warm through. Toss gently or layer on top when serving.
9. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce and best flavor.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps blend and stretch the sauce beautifully.
Always bring your cream and cheese to room temperature to prevent sauce separation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 42
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 130
Keywords: creamy cajun pasta, beef spaghetti, garlic butter pasta, easy dinner, spicy pasta