Rich, creamy, and packing the perfect balance of heat and flavor, this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something unforgettable. Tender slices of seared steak rest atop a luscious bed of penne pasta, bathed in a spicy Cajun cream sauce that hugs every bite with buttery goodness. It’s a comforting, indulgent meal that feels like something from your favorite bistro—only better because it came from your own kitchen.

This one-skillet wonder is your ticket to a fast and flavorful dinner that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a well-earned comfort meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor and presentation with minimal cleanup. You can easily scale it for date night or family dinner, and it’s guaranteed to impress whoever’s lucky enough to sit at your table.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best flavor and texture, it’s important to have the right kitchen tools at the ready:

Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet: Retains heat evenly and gives that perfect sear to the steak.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing the steak against the grain and prepping other ingredients quickly.
Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Helps in flipping the steak without piercing it and releasing precious juices.

Large Pot: For boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
Colander: Draining the pasta properly is key so the sauce clings to each piece.
Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Blending the Cajun cream sauce smoothly and ensuring it doesn’t break.

Having these tools organized before starting will streamline your cooking process and help you execute this rich and creamy pasta dish flawlessly.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Each ingredient in this skillet plays a role in building bold flavor and irresistible texture:

Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or strip): The star of the dish, offering rich beefy flavor and tenderness when cooked and sliced properly.

Penne Pasta: Its tube shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly in every bite.
Heavy Cream: Adds the luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
Butter: Enhances the richness and helps marry the Cajun seasoning into the sauce.

Cajun Seasoning: The flavor backbone with heat, herbs, and depth.
Garlic (minced): Brings pungent, aromatic balance.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): For salty, umami creaminess.

Olive Oil: For searing the steak and developing that golden crust.
Salt and Black Pepper: To enhance and balance flavors.
Parsley (fresh chopped): For a fresh burst and vibrant garnish.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Season your steak with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high with olive oil, then sear the steak 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Set aside to rest, then slice thinly against the grain.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for steak, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently, whisking occasionally until thickened slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer a minute or two so the pasta absorbs flavor.

Step 5: Add Steak and Garnish

Top the creamy pasta with the sliced steak. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and a touch of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy that buttery Cajun kick in every forkful.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Serve this pasta hot straight from the skillet, family-style, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley on top. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the richness. For a spicier bite, offer extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce on the side.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the silky texture. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the steak tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Ribeye is fantastic for flavor, but sirloin or strip steak works beautifully too. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning blend. For less spice, reduce the amount or choose a mild version.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and sauce in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can work, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun spice blend for any hidden gluten.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Be aware the sauce texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet, then you’ll definitely want to try more bold and hearty skillet-style pasta dishes from Life With Olivia. Check out these favorites:

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you crank up the Cajun spice or swap the steak cut? Did you sneak in mushrooms or spinach?

I love hearing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens. Share your twists, tips, or questions below—we’re all here to cook better, together.

Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet is a rich, flavorful one-pan meal loaded with perfectly seared steak, penne pasta, and a velvety Cajun cream sauce. It’s spicy, buttery, and comforting—perfect for weeknight indulgence or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.

Instructions

1. Season steak with salt, pepper, and a bit of Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the steak 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Let it rest and slice thinly.

2. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, add heavy cream, and simmer gently.

4. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.

5. Toss in cooked pasta, coating it well in the sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

6. Add sliced steak on top and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.