Description
This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish featuring tender seared beef strips in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it combines the zest of Cajun seasoning with the smoothness of garlic butter and Parmesan cream for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, sliced into strips
- Salt to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Season the Beef: Season beef strips with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a hot skillet. Sear the beef strips on each side until golden brown and cooked to your preference, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Spaghetti in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed for desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Top the spaghetti with the seared beef strips. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the dish hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the spaghetti; al dente texture is preferred for the best bite.
- Use high-quality steak like sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful beef strips.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount depending on your spice preference.
- Reserved pasta water helps to adjust sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
