Description

Get ready to impress with this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips — a quick dinner idea that’s bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor. Tender seared beef strips are tossed with al dente linguine in a spicy garlic butter sauce, making it one of those perfect food ideas for easy dinner nights or last-minute guests. Whether you’re after an easy recipe with a kick or flavorful dinner ideas that come together in under 40 minutes, this meal hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

12 ounces linguine pasta

Water and salt, for boiling

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 and ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

⅓ cup reserved pasta water or low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Grated parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Pat the beef strips dry. Toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Sear beef for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

5. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.

6. Add reserved pasta water (or broth) and lemon juice. Stir and let simmer for 1 minute.

7. Add drained linguine and toss to coat with sauce.

8. Return beef strips to skillet and toss with pasta. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

10. Garnish with parsley, parmesan, and lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—it makes the butter sauce shine.

Reserve pasta water before draining—it helps bind the sauce to the noodles.

Don’t overcrowd the beef while searing to avoid steaming instead of browning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: easy dinner, Cajun pasta, garlic butter linguine, beef pasta