Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

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Looking to elevate your pasta night with something bold, creamy, and unforgettable? This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips brings all the rich and savory comfort you could want—and then some. The combination of spice-kissed Cajun seasoning, velvety garlic butter sauce, and perfectly seared beef strips makes this dish a must-try. It’s indulgent without being heavy and packs flavor in every forkful.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or impressing guests, this recipe is all about that savory-satisfying bite. The heat from the Cajun spice blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, while tender strips of beef add that luxurious steakhouse finish. Serve it up with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a winning dinner that feels like a restaurant special.

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What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Regular spaghetti or linguine are both great choices here, but if you’re after a heartier texture, try bucatini. This slightly thicker noodle holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving each bite more flavor. Avoid thin noodles like angel hair, as they might become overwhelmed by the richness of the dish.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Spaghetti: The base of this comforting dish. Choose a sturdy noodle to soak up the rich, spiced sauce.

Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Tender beef strips are the protein star, offering a juicy, hearty element that balances the creaminess.

Butter: The backbone of the sauce. It gives a silky mouthfeel and marries the Cajun spices.

Garlic: Finely minced or grated garlic adds that punchy depth that defines garlic butter sauces.

Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce lusciously creamy and helps balance the bold Cajun seasoning.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and thickens the sauce slightly.

Cajun Seasoning: The flavor amplifier. It gives this dish its signature Southern flair—spicy, smoky, and aromatic.

Paprika & Black Pepper: Optional, but a great combo to add smokiness and gentle heat.

Parsley: For a fresh garnish that lifts the richness of the dish.

Olive Oil: Used to sear the beef and get that golden crust.

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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Beef Strips

Season the steak strips generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the beef strips on both sides until caramelized and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a bit of black pepper. Let the sauce reduce slightly for 3–5 minutes, then add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Top with Beef and Garnish

Return the seared beef strips on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan, if desired.

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti

Serving:
This dish is best served hot and fresh from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up that luscious sauce.

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:
While the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, it’s still doable. Freeze in portions and reheat slowly for best results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef works best?

Sirloin or ribeye are great choices because they’re tender and flavorful, but flank steak or New York strip will work in a pinch.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes! Just use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. You can even skip the paprika for a gentler heat.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

Coconut cream or a rich oat-based cream substitute can work well. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.

What else can I add to the pasta?

Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.

Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?

Yes, sear the beef ahead and store it in the fridge. Add it back during the final step so it stays juicy.

What’s the best way to get that golden crust on the beef?

Make sure your pan is hot and don’t overcrowd it. Let the beef sear undisturbed before flipping.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If this creamy Cajun spaghetti won you over, check out these other flavor-packed recipes:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a velvety, savory finish.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce if you’re in the mood for indulgent cheese.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a cheesy garlic twist.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty citrus punch.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you’re craving bold heat and one-pan ease.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever the craving hits.

And I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add mushrooms? Go extra spicy? Maybe you tossed in shrimp or veggies?

Leave a comment below and share your version. Don’t forget to check out more easy, bold dinner ideas on my Pinterest: Life with Nina

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