When comfort food and bold flavor collide, you get this Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips. Imagine juicy, seared beef strips nestled over a bed of silky spaghetti, all coated in a rich, Cajun-spiced garlic butter sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like hours of effort but comes together surprisingly quickly.

This dish is perfect for weeknight indulgence or when you want to impress dinner guests with minimal fuss. The Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat, while the cream and butter mellow it with luscious richness. Each bite delivers a hit of spice, a kiss of garlic, and the buttery depth that only gets better with a forkful of al dente pasta and savory beef.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this pasta perfection come to life, you’ll want to gather a few reliable kitchen tools:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Crucial for getting a good sear on the beef. The caramelization adds a deep, savory flavor.
Large Pot: Needed to boil spaghetti evenly without clumping. Salt your water generously!
Colander: For draining the pasta quickly without overcooking.

Tongs and Wooden Spoon: These help with tossing the pasta and sauce together for an even coat.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing your beef into clean, tender strips.

Each of these tools plays a small yet essential role in building up the flavors and textures of this dish, ensuring you get restaurant-level quality right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Beef Sirloin or Ribeye Strips: Tender, flavorful, and perfect for quick searing.
Spaghetti: The classic base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture and balances the Cajun heat.

Garlic (Freshly Minced): Essential for building depth and aroma.
Unsalted Butter: Creates the buttery base of the sauce; choose quality.
Olive Oil: Helps in searing the beef and infusing richness.

Cajun Seasoning: Brings that smoky, spicy kick that defines this recipe.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and nuttiness.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to highlight all other flavors.

Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish and a fresh pop of green.

Every ingredient has its part to play—from bold flavor to creamy comfort.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Season your beef strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot cast iron skillet with a drizzle of olive oil, sear the beef until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a large pot of salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Add Cajun and Cheese

Mix in the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Toss in the Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Beef

Top the creamy pasta with the seared beef strips. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.

Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti

Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is creamy and luscious. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little extra Cajun butter sauce over the top just before serving.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the heat by using more or less, or opting for a mild blend.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work great. Just make sure it’s a pasta that holds sauce well.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese, but the richness of heavy cream is ideal for this sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of dairy. Just note the flavor will be slightly different.

What cut of beef is best?

Sirloin and ribeye are top choices because they’re tender and flavorful, but flank steak or New York strip can also work well.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not ideal as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, but if needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious recipes too:

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

For even more irresistible recipes and daily cooking inspiration, visit my Pinterest board: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

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 go heavy on the Cajun or tone it down? Did you toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture?

I love hearing how you all make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook boldly and confidently.

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is a rich and savory dish featuring perfectly seared beef, al dente spaghetti, and a silky Cajun-spiced garlic butter cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent entertaining, it’s the ultimate comfort meal with a bold Southern twist.