Do you ever crave a meal that wraps comfort and spice into one perfect plate? This Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta might just be your new obsession. The bold heat from the Cajun seasoning contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness of Parmesan-coated fettuccine, making it a dish that satisfies every part of your palate.

This recipe brings together seared, juicy steak strips and silky pasta in a garlic-kissed cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or a dinner party, it delivers big flavor with a minimal time commitment. Ready to bring steakhouse elegance right to your kitchen?

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this flavor-packed meal, gather your tools. A cast iron skillet is ideal for searing the steak, locking in those Cajun flavors with a perfect crust. For the pasta, you’ll need a large saucepan to boil the fettuccine evenly without clumping.

Use a microplane grater to freshly shred your Parmesan — this ensures it melts smoothly into the cream sauce. A wooden spoon helps you stir the sauce without scratching your pans. Finally, have a sharp chef’s knife on hand to slice the steak cleanly and neatly for that Instagram-worthy plate.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Ribeye or Sirloin Steak: These cuts offer great marbling, ensuring tenderness and bold flavor when seared.
Fettuccine Pasta: Its wide shape holds creamy sauces perfectly, making it ideal for a rich Parmesan base.
Heavy Cream: The foundation of the sauce; gives it body and indulgence.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Butter: Enhances the sauce’s richness and is key for searing steak with added flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Essential for infusing both the pasta and steak with savory aroma.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings the heat and smoky depth to the steak.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season the steak and the pasta water.
Olive Oil: For searing and helping seasonings adhere to the steak.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herby finish.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Step 1: Season the Steak Generously

Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while prepping other ingredients.

Step 2: Boil the Fettuccine

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.

Step 3: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the steak 3–4 minutes on each side (depending on thickness) for a medium finish. Let it rest before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a clean pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add heavy cream and simmer for a minute, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust with pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce. Plate it beside the sliced Cajun steak and garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of extra Parmesan.

Perfect Serving & Storing Tips for Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

This dish is best served immediately while the steak is juicy and the pasta creamy. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal. If you’re planning a dinner party, you can cook the pasta and sear the steak in advance, then quickly reheat and assemble everything just before serving.

To store leftovers, place the steak and pasta in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk. Warm the steak in a skillet or oven to preserve texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak works best for this recipe?

Ribeye and sirloin are both excellent choices due to their tenderness and fat content, which develop flavor beautifully when seared.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Tagliatelle, linguine, or even penne will work if you don’t have fettuccine. Just choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to the cream and Parmesan?

You can use coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute. The result won’t be as rich, but it will still be flavorful.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

It depends on the blend. Some Cajun seasonings are quite mild, while others bring serious heat. Taste yours first and adjust accordingly.

Can I grill the steak instead of searing it?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta.

How do I keep the sauce from clumping?

Use freshly grated Parmesan, stir continuously, and add pasta water gradually to keep the sauce smooth.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, a quick and savory option when you’re short on time. For something with a Southern twist, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, which layers bold heat and creamy comfort.

Feeling adventurous? Try the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta, a fiery fusion of spice and cheese. Or for another Cajun favorite, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta will definitely satisfy your cravings.

If you loved the combination of steak and rich pasta, don’t miss the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells, which brings the same satisfying contrast in a smaller, weeknight-friendly version.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Did you go heavy on the Cajun spice? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious to see how others bring their twist to the table.

Looking for more daily inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest where I share all my latest creations: LadyPlate on Pinterest

Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta blends bold heat and creamy comfort into one irresistible plate. Juicy, well-seasoned steak meets rich fettuccine in a garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressive date nights.

Instructions

1. Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature.

2. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

3. In a hot cast iron skillet, sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice into strips.

4. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add heavy cream and simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.

5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.

6. Serve pasta alongside steak strips. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Let the steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy when sliced.

Always use freshly grated Parmesan to ensure the sauce melts smoothly.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance—taste before using the full amount.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun/Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 890
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 56g
Saturated Fat: 27g
Unsaturated Fat: 26g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 54g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: Cajun steak pasta, spicy fettuccine, creamy Parmesan pasta