Description

Craving a bold, indulgent, and flavor-packed dinner idea? This Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni is the perfect blend of smoky Cajun spices, creamy garlic butter sauce, and juicy, pan-seared beef cubes. It’s a quick dinner that tastes gourmet — ideal for weeknight meals, special occasions, or when you’re looking for food ideas that deliver both comfort and a spicy kick. Whether you’re into creamy pastas, easy recipes with beef, or quick comfort food, this dish checks all the boxes. A must-try for fans of spicy pasta, Cajun cuisine, and next-level weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin or tenderloin, cubed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

12 ounces rigatoni pasta

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1.25 cups heavy cream

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

0.25 cup reserved pasta water

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Extra Cajun seasoning or paprika, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat dry the beef cubes and season them with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until slightly under al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and rest.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to burn it.

5. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

6. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

7. Toss in the cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, letting the pasta absorb the sauce.

8. Plate the pasta, top with seared beef, and garnish with parsley and a dusting of Cajun seasoning or paprika.

Notes

Let the beef come to room temperature before searing to ensure even cooking and better browning.

For extra creaminess, double the sauce (butter, cream, and cheese) if you’re a fan of saucy pasta.

A splash of pasta water helps emulsify and bind the sauce to the pasta — don’t skip this step!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.25 cups
Calories: 670
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 580
Fat: 38
Saturated Fat: 18
Unsaturated Fat: 17
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 50
Fiber: 3
Protein: 34
Cholesterol: 120

Keywords: creamy Cajun pasta, easy dinner, beef pasta recipe, garlic butter sauce, spicy rigatoni, weeknight dinner ideas, comfort food