Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

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Craving something hearty, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy? This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is a full-on flavor experience that blends savory steak bites, velvety pasta, and a kick of Cajun heat into one irresistible dish.

Imagine perfectly seared strips of juicy beef layered over spaghetti that’s been swirled in a creamy Cajun-spiced garlic butter sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t just satisfy your hunger—it impresses. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a treat-yourself moment, this recipe is bold, rich, and surprisingly easy to make.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this decadent plate of pasta, it’s good to have everything ready to streamline the process.

1. Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan
Essential for searing the beef strips properly. A heavy-bottomed pan helps retain heat evenly, giving your beef a crisp, caramelized crust without overcooking the center.

2. Large Saucepan or Pasta Pot
A deep pot ensures the spaghetti has enough space to boil freely and cook evenly. Salt your water well for flavor.

3. Tongs or Slotted Spoon
These are perfect for flipping the beef and transferring it without losing those precious juices.

4. Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula
You’ll need this to stir the creamy Cajun sauce, ensuring it doesn’t stick or burn as it thickens.

5. Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
For slicing the beef into even strips and prepping garlic or herbs for garnish.

With these tools on hand, the cooking process becomes much smoother, helping you achieve that restaurant-style finish right at home.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Beef Sirloin or Ribeye
A well-marbled cut ensures tender, juicy beef strips that cook beautifully and absorb the seasoning.

Spaghetti
The base of the dish. It holds the sauce well and delivers that classic pasta comfort.

Garlic (minced)
Brings rich, aromatic flavor that anchors the entire dish.

Butter
Used to make the garlic butter sauce. It adds richness and helps blend the Cajun spices.

Heavy Cream
Makes the sauce silky and indulgent, softening the Cajun heat with its creamy texture.

Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Gives the sauce depth and a savory, umami boost.

Cajun Seasoning
The star of the flavor profile—adds smoky, spicy, and herbal notes.

Olive Oil
Used to sear the beef and toast the seasoning slightly.

Salt and Black Pepper
Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.

Fresh Parsley (optional)
For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

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

Step 1: Sear the Beef Strips

Season your beef strips with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat, then sear the beef until golden-brown and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cajun

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Cajun seasoning. Stir and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan and stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Toss and Layer

Add cooked spaghetti into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water. Plate the pasta and top generously with the seared beef strips.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

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Serving and Storing Your Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti

This pasta is best served hot, straight off the skillet. The beef is at its juiciest and the sauce clings beautifully to the spaghetti. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread if you’re looking to stretch it into a larger meal.

For leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Use an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate and lose its creamy consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well too. Just make sure it’s something that can hold the sauce.

What cut of beef is best?

Sirloin or ribeye are ideal for tenderness and flavor, but flank steak can also work if sliced thin against the grain.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes. Use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. You can also balance the heat by adding more cream.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Swap out the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk-based creamer.

Can I add vegetables?

Sure! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions and blend beautifully into the sauce.

How do I get the sauce to stick to the pasta?

Toss the pasta in the sauce while it’s still hot, and reserve a bit of pasta water to help emulsify and cling the sauce to every strand.

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Want More Cajun Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a poultry-based spin on this sauce. Or check out the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta if you’re craving more beef-forward dishes with a twist.

For fans of garlic-forward sauces, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is another satisfying one-pan wonder.

Looking to spice things up even more? Try the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta — creamy, fiery, and loaded with flavor.

Want something with a veggie twist? California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing, cool pasta option perfect for potlucks and sunny days.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or pasta boards for easy reference. Just hit that Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the spice? Did you use ribeye or another cut? Leave a comment below and let’s swap notes.

You can also find more daily recipes on my Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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