Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

by Nina Johnson August 25, 2025

When pasta meets perfectly seared steak and a buttery Cajun cream sauce, it becomes a dish that’s bold, rich, and completely unforgettable. This Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet brings all the flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s made in just one skillet, and it’s the kind of comfort food that turns weeknights into celebrations.

What makes this pasta dish shine is the harmony of Cajun spices with heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic. Juicy, pan-seared steak strips rest on a bed of creamy pasta that’s laced with spicy, buttery goodness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or spoil yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers the kind of flavor you’ll keep craving.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For the most tender, flavorful results, go for a well-marbled cut like ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin. These steaks hold up beautifully to pan searing and stay juicy even after slicing. If you’re prepping ahead, let your steak rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking—it helps create that perfect crust.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Ribeye or Sirloin Steak: The star of the dish. You want a tender, juicy cut that sears beautifully.
Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly in its ridges.
Butter: Used to create the base of that luscious Cajun butter sauce.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce ultra-rich and smooth.
Fresh Garlic: Adds aromatic depth.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
Cajun Seasoning: The spice blend that brings warmth, kick, and complexity.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky undertones.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and sauce.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green that makes the whole skillet look vibrant and inviting.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Season your steak generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil or butter, and sear the steak on both sides until it develops a deep brown crust. Remove and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Add heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it well in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Steak

Slice the rested steak into strips and lay them over the creamy pasta. Spoon over any juices from the resting steak for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

This skillet is best served hot straight from the pan. The richness of the sauce and the freshly seared steak are at their peak right off the stove. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.

Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to moderate kick depending on your Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the heat level by using more or less seasoning or adding a pinch of chili flakes.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, rotini, or rigatoni all work well with this creamy sauce.

Can I substitute the cream?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Swap steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled eggplant for a meat-free take.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything except combining steak and pasta. Reheat the pasta and sauce, then add steak just before serving to keep it tender.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet, you’ll probably enjoy these flavorful favorites too:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun spice or mellow it out? Did you sneak in mushrooms or keep it classic?

I love seeing how others bring their own twist to these recipes. You can also follow along for more daily recipe ideas on my Pinterest: Life with Nina.