Craving something bold, creamy, and indulgent for dinner tonight? Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini might just become your new go-to. This dish blends the smoky heat of Cajun-seasoned steak with the creamy comfort of cheesy tortellini, tossed in a silky Alfredo sauce that clings to every bite.

What makes this pairing irresistible is the balance of spice and creaminess. The Cajun rub sears into the steak, creating a flavorful crust that cuts through the richness of the pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that looks like it took hours but comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a smart option for busy nights or impressive weekend dinners.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting this recipe right depends on having the right tools at your side. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Cast Iron Skillet: Nothing beats it for developing that flavorful crust on your steak. It holds heat evenly and responds well to high-heat searing.
Medium Saucepan: Essential for boiling tortellini to a tender, pillowy finish.
Small Saucepan or Sauté Pan: Used for warming and blending the Alfredo sauce without scorching it.
Tongs or a Meat Spatula: These help flip steak pieces without losing those golden sear marks.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing your steak post-sear into bite-sized, juicy pieces.

With the prep streamlined and tools ready, you’ll find this dish is all about layering flavor and texture quickly and effectively.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini

Steak (ribeye or sirloin): Marbled and tender, this cut holds up well to searing and soaks in the Cajun seasoning.
Cajun Seasoning: The backbone of the flavor here. It adds smoky, spicy notes that give the steak its bold personality.
Garlic (minced): Fragrant and rich, it melds with butter for a punchy garlic-butter sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the garlic butter coating the steak.
Cheese Tortellini: These stuffed pasta bites soak up the Alfredo sauce and offer creamy bursts with every forkful.
Alfredo Sauce: Smooth, cheesy, and indulgent—a perfect partner to mellow the spice of the Cajun steak.
Olive Oil: Helps create a crust on the steak when seared in the pan.
Salt & Black Pepper: Finishing essentials that amplify all other flavors.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a bit of freshness and color.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini

Step 1: Season the Steak

Pat your steak dry and generously coat it with Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Press the seasoning in to ensure every surface is covered.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the steak on each side for 3–4 minutes until it develops a dark, flavorful crust. Lower the heat, add butter and minced garlic, and baste the steak with garlic butter for a minute.

Step 3: Rest and Slice

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. This keeps the juices locked in.

Step 4: Boil the Tortellini

In a medium saucepan, cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

In a small saucepan, gently warm the Alfredo sauce. Stir continuously so it doesn’t stick or burn.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the drained tortellini with the warm Alfredo sauce. Plate it up and top with slices of Cajun garlic butter steak. Garnish with parsley if using.

Serving and Storing This Cajun Steak Tortellini

Serve this dish fresh off the skillet for the best experience. It pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted greens like asparagus or broccoli. For wine lovers, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or even a bold Zinfandel holds up nicely.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the pasta and steak gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the Alfredo sauce without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

It depends on the brand or homemade blend you use. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well, though tortellini adds extra cheesiness.

Is it okay to use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, especially for quick dinners. Just pick a quality one with clean ingredients for the best taste.

What steak cut is best for this?

Ribeye gives the most flavor and tenderness, but sirloin or strip steak are great budget-friendly options.

Can I cook the steak in advance?

You can, but for best results, sear it fresh to keep the crust crispy and the center juicy.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for another beefy twist on creamy comfort. If you love Alfredo sauces, check out the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni — it’s hearty and satisfying.

For those leaning toward chicken, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna delivers heat with creaminess. Or go green with the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, perfect for cozy nights.

And if you want a rich pasta that feels like a treat, the Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a must-try.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you cook this dish, I’d love to hear about it! Did you go bold with extra Cajun spice? Did you add a swirl of pesto or extra garlic? Let me know in the comments.

Looking for more comforting meals? Check out my latest daily recipes and inspiration over on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Spice meets cream in this indulgent dish of Cajun garlic butter steak served over cheesy Alfredo tortellini. A hearty weeknight dinner or a flavorful date night choice, ready in under 40 minutes.