If you are on the hunt for a dish that beautifully balances a rich, silky sauce with bold, spicy flavors, then the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine tender slices of seared steak mingling with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all wrapped in a velvety, buttery cream sauce spiked with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s loaded with flavor, making dinner both simple and spectacular. Whether it’s a weekday treat or a weekend indulgence, this recipe promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, from the robust ribeye steak that brings tenderness and richness, to the humble penne pasta acting as the perfect vessel for that luscious sauce. The garlic adds aromatic depth, while the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika inject that unmistakable kick of Southern charm.
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak: Choose a cut with a good balance of fat for tenderness and flavor.
- 8 oz penne pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite deliciously coated.
- 2 tbsp butter: Essential for that silky, creamy base and richness that brings the sauce to life.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to achieving the luscious texture that makes this dish irresistibly smooth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that complements the spicy elements.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty boost and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: Provides the bold, zesty backbone that defines the flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth and depth, rounding out the seasoning perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh herbaceous note that brightens the final dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by generously seasoning your ribeye or sirloin steak with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial as it ensures the steak will be packed with flavor that will carry through the entire dish. Letting the spices sit on the steak briefly can even help deepen the taste.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Place the steak in the skillet and sear it on both sides until it forms a beautiful golden crust. The searing locks in the juices and creates that delicious caramelized exterior. Cook to your preferred doneness, then remove the steak and let it rest. Resting is key because it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice remains juicy and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Penne Pasta Al Dente
While the steak rests, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta but don’t forget to reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can work wonders in adjusting the sauce consistency later on.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant—this usually takes about a minute and makes a world of difference in flavor. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, stirring them into the butter and garlic to awaken those spices.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce with Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This gentle heat allows the cream to thicken slightly, creating that luscious texture. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the sauce and enhance its richness. Let the sauce thicken until it coats the back of a spoon nicely.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet and toss it in the sauce until every piece is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels a little too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and keep it silky smooth.
Step 7: Finish with Steak and Garnish
Slice the rested steak into thin strips and nestle them on top of the creamy pasta. Drizzle some of the delicious steak juices from the resting plate over everything for an extra depth of flavor. Finally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if using—it adds a beautiful burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances all the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, but you can also sprinkle a pinch of extra grated Parmesan or even a light dusting of smoked paprika to amplify the smoky undertones. These simple touches lift the dish visually and taste-wise, giving it that final flourish.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is wonderfully rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with something crisp and refreshing can create a beautiful contrast. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can provide balance and brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and fan the sliced steak slices on top for an inviting, restaurant-style presentation. You can also garnish with a wedge of lemon on the side—its acidity adds a delightful zing when squeezed over just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The creamy sauce might thicken further after cooling, so be prepared to loosen it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but because of the cream sauce, it’s best to freeze before combining the steak slices with the pasta. Store the pasta and sauce separately from the cooked, sliced steak for optimal texture upon thawing.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, warm the pasta sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of milk or cream to bring back its creamy appeal. Add the steak slices at the end, warming just until heated through to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are ideal because of their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like strip steak or flank steak. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and preferred doneness.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk in a pinch, but heavy cream provides the best texture and richness for this sauce. Using alternatives might result in a slightly thinner sauce.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a medium level of spice that can be adjusted by choosing milder or spicier blends. You can always start with less and add more to taste, ensuring the heat suits your preference.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety, and make sure your Cajun seasoning does not contain any gluten ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry.
What wine pairs well with this creamy Cajun pasta?
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully. The acidity and brightness in these wines complement the creamy, spicy flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe is truly a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for impressing family or friends without fuss. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find it becomes an instant favorite and a recipe you happily return to again and again.
Print
Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet combines tender, juicy ribeye or sirloin steak with a rich and flavorful creamy Cajun sauce tossed with penne pasta. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices and smoked paprika, the dish balances bold spices with creamy Parmesan and garlic butter for a comforting yet spicy skillet meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Garnish
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the steak: Generously season the ribeye or sirloin steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides to infuse bold flavors.
- Sear the steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for a few minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest to retain its juices.
- Cook the pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add spices: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika into the butter and garlic mixture to build a robust base for the sauce.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Slice and serve the steak: Slice the rested steak into strips and arrange it on top of the pasta. Drizzle any steak juices from resting over the dish for extra flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a fresh, herby finish and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use ribeye for a more tender, juicy steak; sirloin is a leaner and more affordable option.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
- Do not overcook the steak to maintain tenderness; use a meat thermometer if unsure (medium rare is about 135°F).
- Reserve pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its peak.
