Description
Looking for dinner ideas that are both bold and comforting? This Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce delivers an irresistible mix of spice, creaminess, and richness in one dish. Juicy Cajun-seasoned steak is perfectly seared and paired with rotini pasta soaked in a silky garlic parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of easy recipe that feels gourmet but comes together quickly – ideal for a weeknight dinner, quick comfort food, or even a casual gathering. Whether you’re a fan of steak, easy pasta dishes, or creamy sauces, this flavorful fusion is sure to become a favorite in your list of food ideas.
Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
10 ounces rotini pasta
Water with salt for boiling
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the steak dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
2. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook rotini until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Sear steak 3–4 minutes per side. Add butter in the last minute and baste. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
5. Slowly whisk in heavy cream. Reduce heat and stir in parmesan, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer until creamy.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. Use pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
7. Plate pasta and top with sliced Cajun steak. Drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Let the steak rest after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tenderness.
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth, velvety sauce – pre-shredded won’t melt as well.
Always reserve pasta water – it’s a natural sauce thickener and can help adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: cheesy steak pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta recipes, cajun recipe