Description
Creamy Cajun Butter Steak Pasta Skillet is a delicious and hearty one-pan meal combining tender, spiced steak strips with sautéed bell peppers and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with fettuccine or penne pasta. This skillet dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, blending Cajun seasonings with creamy Parmesan and paprika for a comforting, savory experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Steak
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the meat with flavor.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked pasta and seared steak back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste as store-bought blends may vary in saltiness and heat.
- For a lighter version of the dish, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
