If you’re craving a pasta dinner that’s a little bit spicy, a lot creamy, and absolutely bursting with savory flavor, then this Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet needs to be at the very top of your must-make list. Imagine fork-tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety Cajun-infused butter sauce all coming together in one pan for a meal that’s downright irresistible. It’s the ultimate marriage of comfort food and big, bold flavors—perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy date night at home!

Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish shine is how easily you can find and whip together the ingredients, yet each one is a flavor powerhouse. These essentials build the taste profile, texture, and even the look of your Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet.

Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or penne): Go for sturdy shapes like fettuccine or penne since they soak up the sauce beautifully and hold up to the hearty steak.
Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (1 lb, sliced thin): Choose well-marbled steak for juicy, tender bites throughout the skillet.
Cajun Seasoning (2 tbsp, divided): This is the star spice mix that adds that signature Southern flair and heat.
Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): Butter brings that rich, comforting background note and helps create the velvety sauce.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): A splash helps sear your steak and brings out the best in each ingredient.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the aroma and depth fresh garlic brings to the party.
Diced Onion (1/2 cup): Onions mellow and sweeten as they sauté, rounding out the Cajun spices.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): This is your ticket to that luscious, rich sauce every good pasta skillet needs.
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds creamy, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce gorgeously.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp): For a subtle, smoky warmth that plays perfectly with the Cajun seasoning.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Dial these up or down depending on your spice preference!
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhance every other ingredient with just the right amount of seasoning.
Chopped Parsley (2 tbsp, for garnish): A pop of green freshness to make your skillet visually and flavorfully irresistible.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by putting a big pot of salted water on to boil. Once bubbling, add your fettuccine or penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, set it aside, and toss with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking—simple, but key for the perfect Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet base!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

Pat your steak slices dry and toss them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, plus a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Over medium-high heat, add olive oil to your largest skillet. Arrange the steak in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest, so the juices stay locked in.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn the heat down to medium, then melt butter right in the same pan (no need to clean out those delicious browned bits!). Add garlic and diced onion, stirring frequently for 2–3 minutes until soft, fragrant, and turning golden. This is that magical moment when your kitchen starts smelling like everyone’s favorite bistro.

Step 4: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce

Now stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and if you’re feeling extra bold, some red pepper flakes. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring to pick up every speck of flavor. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until silky smooth and gloriously creamy—you’ve just created the soul of your Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the seared steak and cooked pasta to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure each noodle gets a generous coating of that Cajun butter sauce. Let it all heat through for another 2–3 minutes. The flavors meld, the aroma intensifies, and all that’s left is to finish with a flourish of fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the creamy richness. For bonus flavor and a pop of color, add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a dash more Cajun seasoning right before serving.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad or some garlic bread are perfect accompaniments. They offer crunch and contrast to the spicy, creamy pasta, making your meal feel extra lush and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get fancy, try serving Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet family-style in the skillet itself—it looks rustic and inviting! Or, twirl the pasta into nests on each plate, topping with steak strips and a flourish of parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Mini skillets work great for individual servings at dinner parties, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any remaining Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, turning leftovers into an extra-special treat!

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, though the sauce may lose a bit of its creamy texture. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of cream or milk to bring back that luscious sauce. Warm through just until hot to avoid overcooking the steak or pasta.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet with chicken or shrimp instead?

Absolutely! Swap in sliced chicken breast or peeled shrimp and adjust cook times as needed. Both taste fantastic with the Cajun spices and creamy sauce.

What type Main Course

Fettuccine and penne are favorites because they grip the sauce well and complement the steak’s texture. But honestly, use any sturdy pasta shape you love or have on hand for a fun twist.

How spicy is this dish?

Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet brings just the right amount of heat, but you can easily make it milder by reducing the Cajun seasoning and omitting the red pepper flakes. If you love extra heat, add more seasoning or serve with hot sauce!

Is there a lighter substitute for heavy cream?

Yes! You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter touch, though the sauce will be less thick. Add a little extra Parmesan to help it emulsify.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Quickly sear thin slices over high heat, and remove them as soon as they brown. They’ll heat up again in the final toss with the sauce, so they stay perfectly juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of weeknight comfort and bold flavor all in one pan. I hope you give it a try soon and let it become a new favorite at your table. Dig in, enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet, a satisfying dish that combines tender slices of steak with a creamy Cajun sauce tossed with pasta. This easy-to-make skillet meal is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Steak:

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, sliced thin
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

2 tbsp chopped parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
Season and Sear Steak: Season steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet until cooked to desired doneness. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion. Add butter, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour in cream, add Parmesan, and simmer.
Combine and Serve: Return steak and pasta to the skillet. Toss in the creamy sauce, cook briefly, and garnish with parsley before serving.