Name: Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun-Italian
Ingredients: 400g spaghetti; 300g beef sirloin or ribeye, sliced into strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus extra for beef); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional); ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

When I first tossed together this Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips, I had no idea it would become a go-to favorite in my dinner rotation. I was craving something bold, creamy, and filling—and that’s exactly what this dish delivers. Tender spaghetti tangled in a velvety, Cajun-spiced garlic butter sauce and crowned with juicy, seared beef strips. It’s indulgent in the best way possible.

What I love most about this recipe is how it balances comfort and flavor. The richness of the sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the Cajun seasoning gives it a punch of heat that pairs beautifully with the caramelized edges of the beef. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress someone special, this dish is guaranteed to get rave reviews.

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

Full-on flavor: From the bold Cajun spice to the richness of the garlic butter, every bite is packed with taste.
Restaurant vibes at home: The perfectly seared beef strips layered over creamy pasta make it feel like a fancy night out—without the bill.
Customizable: You can turn up the spice, swap the protein, or toss in veggies without compromising on deliciousness.
Weeknight-worthy: It looks gourmet, but it’s surprisingly quick to make—perfect for busy evenings.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

For this recipe, I usually go with sirloin or ribeye—both have great marbling and stay tender when cooked quickly over high heat. If you want something leaner, flank steak works well too, just make sure to slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. You want beef that sears beautifully and holds its juiciness when sliced and served over the pasta.

If you’re in a pinch, even thinly sliced beef from a stir-fry pack can do the job. Just be mindful not to overcook it—dry beef ruins the magic of this creamy, spicy dish.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs or just using what’s in the fridge, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own:

Pasta: Swap spaghetti for fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if you prefer shorter pasta.
Protein: Chicken breast or shrimp make excellent alternatives to beef—season them the same way.
Cream: You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Butter: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free twist without sacrificing richness.
Cajun Seasoning: If you’re out, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in building layers of flavor, richness, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Spaghetti: The perfect pasta to hold the creamy, spicy sauce—it soaks up every drop.
Beef (sirloin, ribeye, or flank): Provides savory richness and a satisfying meaty bite to contrast the creamy pasta.
Butter: Forms the base of the sauce, giving it silky depth and richness.
Garlic: A key player for bold, aromatic flavor that cuts through the richness.
Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and brings the sauce together into a luscious coating.
Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the sauce with salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken it slightly.
Cajun Seasoning: Delivers the signature smoky-spicy flavor that defines this dish.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the beef beautifully while adding extra flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds freshness and color.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain, but reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef

While the pasta cooks, slice your beef into strips. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a good sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef strips in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned and just cooked through (about 2–3 minutes per side), then set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Stir in more Cajun seasoning, then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Combine

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, loosen it up with some reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the creamy spaghetti in bowls or plates, then top generously with the seared beef strips. Finish with chopped parsley if using, and serve hot. Prepare for the compliments.

How Long to Cook Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impromptu dinner party. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Spaghetti: 8–10 minutes (depending on brand and thickness)
Beef Strips: 4–6 minutes total (2–3 minutes per side)
Sauce: 5–7 minutes to simmer and thicken
Final Assembly: 2–3 minutes to toss everything together

Total active cooking time: About 20–25 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Don’t overcook the beef. You want a juicy sear—not rubbery meat. Sear quickly over high heat and set aside immediately.
Use fresh garlic. Jarred garlic will do in a pinch, but nothing beats the aroma and flavor of freshly minced cloves.
Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning. Some store-bought blends are saltier or spicier than others, so start with less and build it up.
Use reserved pasta water to your advantage. A splash helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy and flavorful.
Grate your own Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese can clump; freshly grated melts beautifully into the sauce.
Let the beef rest before slicing. If you’re cooking a whole steak and slicing afterward, give it a few minutes to rest so juices stay locked in.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few small missteps can throw off the flavor or texture. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Overcooking the pasta: Spaghetti that’s too soft won’t hold up in the sauce. Cook it just until al dente.
Crowding the pan while searing beef: This traps steam and prevents a good sear. Cook in batches to get those flavorful browned edges.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast—just a minute is enough. Burnt garlic turns bitter and will ruin the sauce.
Adding cheese too early: Add Parmesan after the cream is heated so it melts smoothly and doesn’t clump.
Using cold cream: Let the cream sit out for a few minutes. Adding it cold to a hot pan can cause it to split.

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

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with crusty, golden garlic bread to soak up every bit of that spicy, creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted until crispy—simple and flavorful.

Lemon-Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

The citrus tang cuts through the creaminess, while Parmesan keeps it on-theme.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Cool, refreshing, and fast—perfect contrast to the warm spice of the Cajun sauce.

A Glass of Red or Dry Rosé

If you’re in the mood for wine, a glass of dry rosé or light-bodied red like Pinot Noir works wonders here.

Sparkling Water with Lime

For a non-alcoholic option, something bubbly and citrusy adds a refreshing balance.

Storage Instructions

This dish stores surprisingly well—perfect if you’re planning ahead or want leftovers for lunch.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezer: Not ideal. The creamy sauce tends to separate and the pasta softens too much after thawing. If you must freeze it, do so without the pasta and reheat the sauce separately before combining with fresh-cooked noodles.
Meal Prep Tip: You can cook the beef and sauce ahead, then store them separately. Reheat everything together with freshly cooked pasta for best results.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~680
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 720mg

These numbers are approximate and will vary based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?

Any store-bought Cajun blend will work, but I recommend one without too much salt so you can control seasoning yourself. You can also make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Just reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder version. You can also balance heat by adding more cream or a bit of sugar.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk with a touch of flour, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just note the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Chicken breast or thigh works well—just slice thinly, season the same way, and sear until cooked through.

Will gluten-free pasta work here?

Yes, gluten-free spaghetti or linguine will still taste amazing. Just be mindful of cooking times—some brands soften faster than regular pasta.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions. Sauté them in the pan before adding the sauce.

Is this a good make-ahead meal?

Sort of. The beef and sauce can be made ahead and reheated, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips hits every craving at once—rich, spicy, comforting, and downright satisfying. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving a table full of guests, this dish delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. With customizable ingredients, easy prep, and restaurant-worthy results, it’s the kind of meal that keeps finding its way back onto your weekly menu.