Name: Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients: 1 pound steak tips (sirloin or ribeye); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ small onion, finely chopped (optional); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

I’ve made a lot of pasta dishes in my time, but nothing quite hits like this Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta. The bold, smoky heat of Cajun spices clinging to juicy steak tips, tossed through creamy, garlicky pasta—it’s comfort food with attitude. I created this dish on a whim one night when I had leftover steak and a craving for something hearty yet exciting, and now it’s a full-blown favorite in my kitchen.

What makes this pasta really stand out is how the Cajun seasoning transforms every bite into a little celebration. It’s rich, it’s spicy, and it’s the kind of meal that gets devoured quickly—no leftovers in sight. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends on a Friday night, it delivers big flavor with very little fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta

If you love creamy pasta with a spicy kick, this is your dream dinner. The seared steak tips stay tender and juicy, while the Cajun cream sauce brings depth and heat without overwhelming the dish. It’s fast enough for weeknights but decadent enough for a special occasion. Plus, it’s customizable—turn up the heat, swap the protein, or sneak in some veggies. Whatever your style, this pasta’s got room for it.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Cajun Steak Tips Pasta?

You want steak that stays tender even after a quick sear, so go for cuts like sirloin tips, ribeye, or New York strip. Sirloin is my go-to because it’s lean yet flavorful and holds up well with the Cajun spices. If you’re feeling indulgent, ribeye gives you that rich marbling that melts into the sauce beautifully. Just make sure to slice the steak into bite-sized pieces against the grain for max tenderness.

Options for Substitutions

Not into beef? No problem. Chicken thighs, shrimp, or even seared tofu can step in and hold their own in this Cajun cream sauce.
Want it lighter? Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream—it won’t be quite as luxurious, but still delicious.
Gluten-free needs? Swap the pasta for your favorite GF brand, or even use zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Dialing down the spice? Reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the crushed red pepper—this pasta still has tons of flavor without the fire.

Ingredients for This Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta

Steak Tips (Sirloin or Ribeye)
These are the stars of the dish—tender, juicy, and full of bold flavor when seared and coated in Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Seasoning
This blend brings the smoky, spicy character to life. It’s what gives the steak its deep color and bold kick.

Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne)
A hearty pasta works best to soak up the rich Cajun cream sauce. Fettuccine adds elegance, while penne holds the sauce in every bite.

Heavy Cream
For that luscious, velvety texture in the sauce. It balances the spice and makes the dish feel extra indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese
Melted into the sauce for saltiness and creaminess—it ties everything together with a subtle nutty flavor.

Garlic
Sautéed garlic builds the flavor base for the sauce and brings out the savory side of the Cajun spices.

Butter
Used to sear the steak and sauté the garlic—it adds richness and depth right from the start.

Olive Oil
Helps with searing and keeps the butter from burning while building layers of flavor.

Onion (optional but recommended)
Adds a slight sweetness and extra savory notes to the creamy sauce.

Crushed Red Pepper (optional)
If you want to turn up the heat, this is your move. It adds a punch without overpowering the dish.

Fresh Parsley
For garnish—it brightens the plate and gives a touch of freshness to balance the richness.

Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning every layer, especially the steak.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak Tips

Pat the steak dry and toss it in a generous amount of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steak tips in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) until soft and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Adjust

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you want. Taste and adjust with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or crushed red pepper if you like it spicier.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss to coat. Return the seared steak tips to the pan and stir gently to combine, letting the flavors mingle for a minute or two over low heat.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit more fire or a drizzle of olive oil for richness.

How Long to Cook the Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta

This dish comes together surprisingly fast. Here’s the breakdown:

Searing the steak tips: 6–8 minutes total (depending on thickness)
Boiling pasta: About 10 minutes
Making the sauce: 5–7 minutes
Combining everything: 2–3 minutes

Total cook time: Around 25–30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel rushed.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Tips Pasta

Don’t overcook the steak tips — they’re best when seared quickly over high heat. Let them rest while you make the sauce to retain their juices.
Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother than the pre-packaged kind and creates a silkier sauce.
Save that pasta water — a splash goes a long way in loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles.
Cook the pasta just until al dente — it’ll finish cooking in the sauce, which helps absorb the flavor.
Taste and balance — Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness and spice. Taste your sauce before adding more salt or pepper.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Crowding the pan when searing the steak: This causes the meat to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches to get that nice crust.
Overcooking the steak tips: They’ll turn chewy instead of tender. Medium doneness is ideal.
Not seasoning every layer: From the pasta water to the sauce, layering your seasoning is key for deep flavor.
Using low-fat substitutes too early: If you want a lighter version, swap ingredients after mastering the original. Low-fat cream can split if overheated.
Skipping the pasta water: It’s liquid gold when it comes to emulsifying and loosening the sauce.

What to Serve With Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery slice of garlic bread is a no-brainer. Perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and parmesan shavings offer a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan

Roasted veggies bring balance and texture, and broccoli plays especially well with the Cajun spice.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Something cold, juicy, and acidic helps cut through the creaminess. Keep it simple and zesty.

A Glass of Red Wine

Something bold like a Zinfandel or Syrah pairs wonderfully with the spicy steak and creamy sauce.

Marinated Olives or Pickled Veggies

A small plate of briny sides makes a great starter and sharpens your appetite for the main event.

Lemon Asparagus

Steamed or roasted asparagus with lemon zest brings brightness and crunch to round out the dish.

Sautéed Greens (like spinach or kale)

Earthy greens sautéed in garlic and olive oil offer a rustic, healthy complement.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they store beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
Reheat Gently: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing: The cream-based sauce can separate and turn grainy when thawed, so I don’t recommend freezing this one.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Please note: these values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients used.

Calories: 720
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 890mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?

I like using homemade blends or brands like Slap Ya Mama or Tony Chachere’s—they’re bold but balanced. Just check for salt content; some are very salty and need less additional seasoning.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and sauce ingredients ahead, but the pasta is best served fresh. If you do make it in advance, store the sauce and pasta separately for better texture when reheating.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are great choices. You want a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce and pair well with the meaty steak tips.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a noticeable kick, but it’s not overpowering. You can control the spice by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and skipping the crushed red pepper.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would work well. Sauté them right after the garlic and before the cream.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. It won’t be quite as rich but still delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta and make sure your Cajun seasoning is GF-certified. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use leftover steak?

Yes! Just slice it thin and warm it briefly in the sauce before serving. Don’t overcook or it might get tough.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Cajun Steak Tips Pasta is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a full-flavored experience. With juicy, spice-crusted steak tips, a creamy Cajun-infused sauce, and pasta that hugs every drop, this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to.