If you’re looking for a meal that screams comfort with a touch of elegance, this Cajun Garlic Butter Steak over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is your next must-try dinner. It’s rich, indulgent, and comes together with a bold fusion of flavors—perfect for date nights, celebrations, or when you want to seriously impress your taste buds.

The spicy seared steak, coated in Cajun seasoning and sizzling garlic butter, sits atop a velvety bed of Parmesan cream-coated linguine. The pairing is pure magic. It hits that sweet spot between hearty and gourmet, delivering a satisfying kick with every bite. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this dish guarantees to make a statement.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To master this recipe, you’ll want to prep with the right tools:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Crucial for getting that beautifully charred, golden crust on your steak while locking in juiciness.
Large Pot: Needed for boiling the linguine to a perfect al dente texture.
Tongs: Make it easier to flip the steak evenly and handle the pasta without breaking it.

Whisk: Helps emulsify your Parmesan cream sauce so it’s lump-free and smooth.
Garlic Press (optional): Speeds up the garlic prep and maximizes flavor extraction.

With these basics, you’ll be able to execute both the sear on the steak and the creaminess of the pasta with professional-level finesse.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Steak over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Ribeye or New York Strip Steak: A well-marbled cut is essential for tenderness and flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: Adds bold heat and complexity that defines the steak’s flavor.
Butter: Key for creating the garlic butter sauce that bastes the steak to juicy perfection.

Fresh Garlic: Infuses the butter with savory depth and richness.
Heavy Cream: Forms the luscious base of the Parmesan sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Brings salty, nutty sharpness that melts beautifully.

Linguine Pasta: A wide, flat noodle that holds onto the creamy sauce deliciously.
Olive Oil: Helps with searing the steak and prevents sticking.
Salt & Pepper: Basic but necessary for flavor balance.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green for freshness and color.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Steak over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Season & Prep the Steak

Pat your steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes for even cooking.

Step 2: Boil the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

In a hot cast iron skillet, add olive oil and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Reduce heat, add butter and crushed garlic. Baste the steak with garlic butter until fully cooked. Remove, let rest, then slice.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until warm. Stir in grated Parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy. Add a bit of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add cooked linguine into the sauce and toss until fully coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve

Plate a bed of creamy Parmesan linguine and top with the sliced Cajun garlic butter steak. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra cheese.

Serving and Storing Cajun Garlic Butter Steak over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

This dish is best served fresh, straight from the skillet while the steak is juicy and the sauce is warm and silky. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted asparagus for a complete, balanced dinner.

To store leftovers, place the pasta and steak in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The pasta will keep for 3-4 days, while the steak is best eaten within 2-3 days to preserve its texture and flavor. Reheat pasta with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Freezing is not ideal for the cream-based sauce, but you can freeze the steak if needed. Just reheat gently to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

The heat level depends on the brand and how much you use. Start with a moderate amount and add more if you love spice. You can always mix your own to control the flavor balance.

Can I use another cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin or filet mignon also works beautifully. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Avoid milk unless you thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and pasta a few hours ahead, and reheat gently. Cook the steak just before serving for the best taste and texture.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Always go for freshly grated Parmesan over the pre-shredded or canned kind. It melts smoother and tastes far better in the sauce.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the steak?

Reheat the steak in a covered skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter. For the pasta, add a splash of cream or water and warm it slowly.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Big Flavor?

If you loved this Cajun Garlic Butter Steak over Creamy Parmesan Linguine, you’ll definitely enjoy these other savory favorites:

One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Looking for even more creamy, savory dinners? Be sure to check out my Pinterest board where I share my daily recipes from Life With Olivia!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sear the steak rare or medium? Add extra Cajun heat or keep it mild?

I love seeing how others bring these dishes to life in their own kitchens. Ask your questions below—we’re all in this delicious journey together.

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A bold and creamy pasta dish topped with sizzling Cajun garlic butter steak. This indulgent dinner is rich with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight comfort meal or a cozy dinner date.

Instructions

1. Pat the steaks dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.

3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes on each side. Lower the heat, add butter and minced garlic, and baste the steaks until cooked to desired doneness. Remove and let rest for 5–10 minutes.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and stir until hot. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

5. Add cooked linguine into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Slice the rested steak and serve over the creamy Parmesan linguine. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.