If you love dishes that bring bold flavor and creamy comfort all in one skillet, the Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy steak strips seasoned with Cajun spices alongside a luscious, buttery cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta in pure decadence. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that comes together quickly but feels absolutely luxurious—ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat or a cozy weekend indulgence you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering meal. Each one plays a crucial role, from the spicy seasoning that wakes up the steak to the creamy sauce that adds richness and the colorful bell peppers that bring a pop of sweetness and crunch.
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape; both soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak: Thin strips cook quickly and stay tender for perfect bites.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds that signature spicy, smoky kick that defines the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors of the ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the steak seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Provides richness both for searing and sauce making.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the steak to caramelized perfection without burning.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds a mellow, grassy contrast and enhances visual appeal.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with fragrant savoriness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that brings everything together.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces nutty, salty richness to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone complementary to the Cajun spices.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of spice if you like it hot.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds fresh color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly once combined with the sauce, so you want just the right amount of firmness upfront to avoid mushiness.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
While your pasta cooks, toss the steak strips in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of butter and the olive oil. Sear the steak strips for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful browned crust but stay juicy and tender inside. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Garlic
In that same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop their natural sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower your heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld into a rich, velvety mixture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak
Return the cooked pasta and seared steak to the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are generously coated with the creamy Cajun butter sauce and the steak strips are nestled throughout. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through. Be sure to mix gently so you don’t break the tender steak.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a fresh burst of color but also cuts through some of the richness with its mild herbal brightness. For a little extra flair, you can add a light dusting of Parmesan or even some freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta skillet stands strong as a complete meal, but if you’re looking for some accompaniments, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread complements the creamy, spicy flavors beautifully. Simple steamed vegetables or a bowl of tangy coleslaw also provide refreshing contrasts that balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a special occasion, serve this Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe in individual skillets or rustic bowls to keep things warm and visually impressive. Garnishing each serving with a small lemon wedge adds a bright note guests can squeeze on top for extra zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, which may separate upon thawing. If needed, freeze only the cooked steak and pasta separately without the sauce to maintain texture and quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Using a microwave works too—just heat in short intervals and stir in between to avoid overheating any portion.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are recommended because they hold the sauce well, you can also try rigatoni, linguine, or even bowtie pasta depending on your preference.
How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust it up or down by modifying the amount of seasoning or leaving out the red pepper flakes.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce fat content, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Using leaner cuts of steak can also help lighten the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta skillet?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini make great additions. Simply sauté them with the peppers or add them in during the sauce-making step.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
From prepping ingredients to plating, this Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe takes about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe truly brings together the best of rich, spicy, and savory flavors for a comforting meal that feels special but comes together with ease. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a dish bursting with personality and warmth that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends.
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Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Description
Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal combining tender, spiced steak strips with sautéed bell peppers and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with fettuccine or penne pasta. This skillet dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, blending Cajun seasonings with creamy Parmesan and paprika for a comforting, savory experience.
Ingredients
Pasta and Steak
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the meat with flavor.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked pasta and seared steak back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste as store-bought blends may vary in saltiness and heat.
- For a lighter version of the dish, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
