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An overhead close-up shot of Cajun steak pasta in a white bowl, showing the creamy sauce and tender steak tips.
FL Recipes

Cajun Steak Pasta: A Creamy, Spicy Weeknight Delight

This Cajun Steak Pasta is a one-pan wonder featuring tender, seared steak and a spicy, rich cream sauce. A delicious, restaurant-quality meal that's ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided, or more to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper any color, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Cutting Board

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry and toss them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  6. Return the seared steak to the skillet and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 780kcalProtein: 40gFat: 45gFiber: 4g

Notes

Tip 1: For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties and creates a smoother sauce.
Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a nice, brown crust.
Tip 3: The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully. Add a little at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.
Keyword cajun steak pasta,creamy pasta,spicy steak pasta

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