Creamy Cajun Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet

So this one? Total flavor bomb. My Creamy Cajun Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet is bold, buttery, and straight-up addictive.

The Cajun spice brings the heat. The garlic butter makes it rich. And that creamy sauce? It wraps around the steak like a hug.

Every bite is spicy, creamy, and loaded with juicy steak. The pasta soaks up all that buttery goodness. It’s the kind of dinner that disappears fast.

Grab a skillet and let’s do this. It’s one-pan magic, and you’re gonna love every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big Bold Flavor: Juicy steak, Cajun spices, and a creamy garlic butter sauce all come together in one pan.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in about 45 minutes and made in a single skillet—less cleanup, more flavor.
• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and filling—it’s comfort food done right.
• Flexible and Customizable: Use your favorite pasta or adjust the spice to your taste.
• Crowd Pleaser: Family dinner or date night—it’s a guaranteed hit.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings
This recipe serves about 4 hungry people as a full meal. Want more? Double the pasta and sauce but sear the steak in batches.

Difficulty
Easy enough for weeknights, but fancy enough to feel special. No tricky techniques—just solid flavor.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large cast-iron or nonstick skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Ingredients

Steak and Pasta Base:

• 1 pound steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli hold the sauce well)

Flavor and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Variations for Cajun Steak Pasta

• Creamier Sauce: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese for a richer base.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Spice Swap: Try smoked paprika instead of Cajun seasoning for a milder but smoky flavor.
• Different Meats: Swap steak for grilled chicken or shrimp if you’d like.
• Cheesy Finish: Melt mozzarella or pepper jack cheese on top before serving.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
Drain and set aside. Don’t rinse—those starches help the sauce stick.

2. Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning.
Add the steak in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned and just cooked through.
Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter.
Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, just until the garlic is fragrant. Don’t let it burn.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning.
Simmer gently, stirring often, for about 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Gently fold in the seared steak bites.
Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, just to warm everything through.

6. Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
Let it rest in the pan for a minute so the sauce settles.
Spoon into bowls and serve hot.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Steak Pasta

• Casual Weeknight Dinner: Serve in wide bowls with warm garlic bread on the side.
• Date Night at Home: Garnish with a sprig of parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that “restaurant feel.”
• Family-Style: Place the skillet right on the table and let everyone serve themselves—less mess, more flavor.

Drink Pairings

• A glass of iced tea or lemon water keeps things refreshing.
• Want to elevate it? Pair with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Storing Creamy Cajun Pasta

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat Tips: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not ideal—cream sauces tend to split when frozen and reheated.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temp Steak: Let your steak rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear steak in batches if needed. Crowding = steaming, not searing.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It gives the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic in a jar won’t hit the same.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Save 1/4 cup before draining in case you want to thin out the sauce later.
• Taste and Adjust: Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness and heat. Always taste before adding more.

Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~720 kcal
Protein	~36g
Carbohydrates	~55g
Total Fat	~42g
Saturated Fat	~22g
Cholesterol	~145mg
Sodium	~620mg
Fiber	~3g
Sugar	~3g
Calcium	~210mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Creamy Cajun Steak Pasta FAQs

Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes. Just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a mild Cajun blend.

Can I substitute the steak?
Definitely. Chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms (for a vegetarian twist) work well.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce beautifully. But any kind will do!

Can I prep this ahead?
You can prep the steak and cook the pasta ahead. Just keep them separate and combine with the sauce when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Skillet hits all the right notes—savory, spicy, creamy, and satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve guests. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort food with a kick.

From my kitchen to yours—enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to save the leftovers (if there are any).