Description

Turn up the flavor with this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet, the ultimate one-pan dinner idea that’s equal parts spicy, rich, and satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests, this easy recipe combines seared juicy steak, velvety Cajun-spiced cream sauce, and pasta for a hearty comfort food experience that tastes like a restaurant dish at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a bold twist on pasta night, or new food ideas that bring the heat, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients

1 pound sirloin steak or ribeye, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing)

12 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1½ cups heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup reserved pasta water

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Pat the steak strips dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet. Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate to rest.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant.

5. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour in heavy cream and stir well.

6. Add Parmesan cheese and simmer gently until melted and creamy.

7. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce with reserved pasta water. Stir and let thicken.

8. Return steak strips to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the steak and let everything warm through.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Let the steak rest after cooking to lock in juices before slicing.

Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps bind and emulsify the sauce.

Adjust Cajun seasoning based on heat tolerance; some brands are spicier than others.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1½ cups
Calories: 685
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: steak pasta, cajun pasta, creamy cajun recipe, one skillet meal, easy dinner, comfort food