Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Fettuccine
Ingredients:
1 lb steak strips or bite-sized steak pieces (ribeye or sirloin)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente, then drain and save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Pat the steak strips dry, then season well with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned on the outside but tender inside. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
4. Lower the heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth and combined. Slowly mix in Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce becomes creamy and velvety. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
6. Add the red pepper flakes if you’d like extra heat, then return the steak pieces to the skillet. Toss gently with the sauce.
7. Add the cooked fettuccine and toss until every strand is coated in the Cajun Parmesan sauce. Finish with the remaining butter for richness.
8. Sprinkle parsley over the top and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 720 per serving
You've just cooked up a fantastic Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Fettuccine, but let's dive even deeper into making this dish truly unforgettable and exploring variations! One of the stars of this dish is that incredible Cajun flavor. While the recipe uses seasoning, I sometimes like to whip up a dedicated Cajun butter for an extra kick! To make your own homemade Cajun butter, simply melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter, then stir in 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it extra spicy. You can drizzle this over your finished steak or even toss your Alfredo pasta in it for an intense flavor boost. For a more liquid 'Cajun sauce,' you can blend these same ingredients with a splash of chicken broth and a tiny bit of flour for thickness, then simmer until slightly reduced. This homemade touch truly elevates the dish! Getting that perfectly tender, sliced, seasoned steak is key. While our recipe seasons directly, if you have more time, a quick garlic butter marinade for steak can make all the difference! I often marinate my steak strips for at least 30 minutes (up to a few hours in the fridge) in a mix of olive oil, minced garlic, a touch of melted butter, and some Cajun seasoning. It locks in flavor and tenderizes beautifully. Remember to pat your steak dry before searing for that perfect crust! We used creamy fettuccine pasta, which is undeniably a perfect match, helping to soak up all that rich sauce. But don't limit yourself! Other pastas that pair well with steak include linguine, penne, or even rigatoni. For a fun, richer twist, some folks might call a dish this flavorful a 'dirty spaghetti recipe' – it's all about embracing those bold, delicious flavors that make a pasta dish truly indulgent and satisfying! While this recipe is a complete meal, if you ever make just the spicy steak bites, you might wonder about the best sides for steak bites. I love serving them with a light, crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted asparagus. Garlic mashed potatoes are also a classic, or even some crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce. It really depends on what kind of dinner you're aiming for! Don't forget the garnishes! As the image described, those red pepper flakes and chopped green herbs (like fresh parsley) aren't just for looks. They add a fresh burst of flavor and a little extra heat and color that make the dish pop. A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is always a good idea too. Enjoy your culinary creation!
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