When you’re craving something bold, creamy, and satisfying, this Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta is an unforgettable dinner experience. Imagine juicy, pan-seared steak slices seasoned with a fiery Cajun rub, nestled beside ribbons of fettuccine swimming in a rich parmesan cream sauce. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table.

The contrast of spicy and creamy hits all the right notes, making it perfect for date night, a special family meal, or just when you’re looking to treat yourself. With tender steak, silky pasta, and a touch of garlic and herbs, this dish is indulgent yet simple to pull together. One bite, and you’ll want this in your regular dinner rotation.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, opt for a tender cut like ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin. These cuts stay juicy when seared and slice beautifully against the grain. Marbling is key for that melt-in-your-mouth bite, so choose a steak with visible fat throughout.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Steak: The star of the plate. Choose a thick, juicy cut with great marbling. You’ll season it with Cajun spice for that smoky heat.

Cajun Seasoning: This blend adds that punchy, spicy flavor to the steak. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Olive Oil & Butter: Used for searing the steak and adding richness to both the meat and sauce.

Garlic: A must-have for both the steak rub and creamy pasta sauce. Fresh garlic brings the best aroma and depth.

Heavy Cream: The base of your luscious parmesan sauce. It creates the silky coating that hugs each fettuccine strand.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan melts into the sauce, bringing saltiness and bold umami.

Fettuccine Pasta: Wide and flat, fettuccine is ideal for holding onto creamy sauces.

Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes: For freshness and a final hit of spice.

Salt & Black Pepper: Essential to balance the heat and bring out the flavors in both the meat and sauce.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Generously coat both sides of your steak with Cajun seasoning, pressing it in so it sticks well. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, place the steak in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust based on thickness). Remove the steak, let it rest for at least 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.

Step 2: Boil the Fettuccine

While the steak is resting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak (with bits and flavor left behind), reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan

Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If it’s too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the parmesan cream sauce. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Plate and Finish

Serve the creamy fettuccine on a large platter or plate. Top with sliced Cajun steak. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added color and heat. Optional: finish with a touch more parmesan on top.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

This dish is best served immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is at its creamiest. For a beautiful presentation, fan out the Cajun steak slices next to the creamy fettuccine on a large plate or family-style platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan to impress at the table.

Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a bold red also complements the flavors nicely.

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can easily make your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. While fettuccine is ideal for creamy sauces, linguine or even penne will work just fine.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. You can tone it down by using less cayenne or omitting red pepper flakes.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, but note that the sauce won’t be as rich or thick.

Do I have to use steak?

Nope! Chicken or shrimp are great alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can swap in gluten-free fettuccine and ensure your Cajun seasoning and parmesan are GF-friendly.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the spicy-meets-creamy combo of this steak and pasta dish, don’t stop here. There are plenty more comforting, flavor-packed dinners you can whip up next:

These recipes continue the theme of easy weeknight indulgence with bold, savory twists.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra heat? Swap the steak for shrimp? I love seeing your variations and hearing what works best for you.

Questions and tips are always welcome—let’s help each other make weeknight dinners unforgettable.

Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring seared Cajun-spiced steak paired with parmesan-coated fettuccine. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with little effort.

Instructions

1. Generously season steaks with Cajun seasoning and press it into the surface.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

4. In the same skillet used for steak, reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Stir in parmesan cheese and let melt. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

7. Toss fettuccine into the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Serve the pasta topped with sliced steak. Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra parmesan if desired.