Rich, indulgent, and bursting with bold Cajun flavors, this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet is a weeknight dinner dream come true. Imagine juicy steak bites seared in butter, tossed with pasta, and cloaked in a velvety Cajun cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s hearty enough to impress guests yet simple enough for a cozy family meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance—smoky Cajun spice blends with the richness of cream and the tenderness of seared steak. Every forkful offers a comforting mix of silky sauce, buttery pasta, and that irresistible Cajun kick. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds.

What Makes the Cajun Butter Steak Pasta So Irresistible?

The combination of juicy steak and creamy Cajun sauce is a match made in heaven. The Cajun butter not only locks in flavor but also builds a savory foundation for the cream sauce. Paired with pasta, this skillet dish delivers bold taste in every bite without being overly complicated.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Steak – The star of the dish. Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best for juicy bites.
Butter – Infuses richness and enhances the Cajun seasoning.
Cajun Seasoning – Adds smoky heat and bold flavor to the dish.
Garlic – Essential for depth and aromatic balance.
Heavy Cream – Creates that luscious sauce that hugs the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese – For creaminess and a nutty finish.
Pasta (penne or fettuccine) – Acts as the perfect vessel to soak up the sauce.
Olive Oil – Helps sear the steak evenly without burning the butter.
Fresh Parsley – A bright garnish that lifts the richness of the dish.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta (penne or fettuccine work beautifully) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Add the steak cubes and sear until browned on the outside but still tender inside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cajun Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning and stir to release its smoky aroma. Add heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth base. Toss in freshly grated Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Steak and Pasta

Return the seared steak to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, letting the sauce coat each strand and bite. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a silky consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot straight from the skillet for that rustic, family-style presentation.

Serving and Storing the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

This skillet pasta is best enjoyed fresh, right after it’s tossed together. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta and steak when served hot. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet?

Garlic Bread

Buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the Cajun cream sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.

Caesar Salad

The crisp crunch of romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan shavings pair wonderfully with the pasta.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn contrasts beautifully with the smoky Cajun spice.

Southern-Style Green Beans

Tender green beans simmered with bacon or onions provide a comforting side.

Fresh Garden Salad

A light, lemony salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes cuts through the creamy pasta.

Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, cheesy breadsticks make this meal extra indulgent.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet, you’ll love these other hearty pasta favorites from SavorQueen:

Save This Pin For Later

Keep this creamy Cajun steak pasta recipe handy by saving it to your favorite Pinterest board. That way, whenever the craving for a comforting pasta skillet strikes, you’ll know exactly where to find it.

Did you add your own twist—maybe a touch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce? Share your version in the comments, I’d love to hear!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite dish might be waiting there.

Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 35
Yield: 4

Print Recipe

Description

Bring steakhouse comfort home with this one-pan creamy Cajun butter steak pasta. Tender, juicy steak bites are seared in garlicky butter, then tossed with al dente pasta in a silky Cajun-spiced cream sauce that clings to every strand. It’s a fast easy dinner that tastes gourmet—big on bold flavor, low on dishes, and perfect for busy nights. Great for weeknight dinner ideas, date night in, or when you just need a cozy bowl of creamy pasta. Try it for a quick dinner that satisfies, and file it under food ideas that always get requested again.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

2. Pat steak dry. Toss with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak in a single layer 1–2 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Transfer to a plate.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in remaining 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (and cayenne, if using).

5. Pour in heavy cream; simmer 1–2 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.

6. Add cooked pasta and steak (with juices). Toss, loosening with reserved pasta water as needed until sauce coats everything.

7. Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

For ultra-tender steak, pull it from the pan when it’s just shy of your preferred doneness; it will finish in the sauce.

Control heat: start with the Cajun seasoning amount listed, then add cayenne or extra Cajun to taste at the end.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1⅓ cups (about 350 g)
Calories: 720
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 870
Fat: 33
Saturated Fat: 15
Unsaturated Fat: 15
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 66
Fiber: 3
Protein: 39
Cholesterol: 155

Keywords: cajun pasta, steak pasta, skillet dinner, one pan, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, spicy pasta