Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of rich, creamy pasta. Add in tender Cajun-seasoned steak and a garlicky parmesan sauce, and you have a recipe that feels both indulgent and approachable. This Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce brings bold flavors together in a single skillet, making it perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dish for guests.
Imagine fork-twirled pasta coated in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, speckled with spice-kissed steak slices that are juicy and cooked to perfection. The Cajun seasoning gives the meat a smoky depth while the creamy cheese sauce balances everything with its savory richness. One bite and you’ll be hooked on this weeknight dinner upgrade.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta
This dish isn’t just comforting—it’s crave-worthy. The steak is seared to golden brown and bursting with flavor thanks to a generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Combined with pasta and a silky, cheesy sauce, it satisfies both pasta lovers and meat fans in one bowl. What makes it even better? It’s all done in under an hour, using simple pantry staples and one skillet for easy cleanup.
What Kind of Steak Should I Use?
Ribeye or sirloin are top picks for this recipe because they have a great balance of tenderness and fat content. Ribeye is especially flavorful due to its marbling, which melts down beautifully during searing. However, if you’re after something leaner, strip steak or even flank steak works just as well. Just remember to slice against the grain to keep the bites tender.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
To bring this creamy Cajun pasta to life, you don’t need anything fancy. Each ingredient serves a purpose to create a rich, balanced dish with layers of flavor and texture. It’s all about combining the boldness of Cajun spice with creamy, cheesy comfort.
- Steak (ribeye or sirloin)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
The steak is the centerpiece, bringing juicy richness. Cajun seasoning adds a bold smoky kick. Olive oil helps sear the meat while locking in flavor. Pasta is the perfect carrier for the sauce, and butter deepens the flavor base. Garlic boosts aroma and complexity. The heavy cream and parmesan form the creamy base, while mozzarella melts into stretchy goodness. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper balances it all. Add parsley on top for a fresh pop of color.


How To Make the Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. Pat dry and coat well with Cajun seasoning on all sides. Let it rest while you prep the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from pan and keep warm.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add a bit of pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Toss the drained pasta into the sauce until well coated. Add the seared steak and mix gently. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta
This recipe makes a hearty meal that comfortably feeds four people. The combination of steak and pasta makes it quite filling, so a small bowl goes a long way. For serving, you can plate it family-style in a big pasta bowl or in individual portions garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Storing leftovers is simple: transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess without drying it out. For best texture, avoid microwaving the steak as it can overcook and become chewy.
What to Serve With Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to scoop up extra sauce and adds a crunchy contrast.
Roasted Broccoli
The mild bitterness of roasted broccoli cuts through the richness of the pasta and offers a healthy green addition.
Caesar Salad
A chilled Caesar salad provides crunch and brightness with its tangy dressing and crisp romaine.
Sauteed Green Beans
Simply sauteed green beans with a touch of lemon complement the creamy pasta without overpowering it.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn brings a fresh, juicy bite and pairs wonderfully with Cajun flavors.
Creamy Polenta
For an ultra-satisfying dinner, serve the pasta over creamy polenta as a base layer.
Grilled Asparagus
Charred, smoky asparagus spears give a seasonal flair and balance the creamy sauce.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
This cold, crunchy salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing break from the warm, savory pasta.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta, you’ll want to explore these other creamy and bold dishes:
- Creamy Cajun Linguine if you’re craving more Cajun spice with a twist of comfort.
- One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a quick meal that’s loaded with smoky flavor.
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli when you want something cozy and veggie-packed.
- Cheesy Baked Ziti for a classic baked pasta with a bubbling cheese top.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a cheese lover’s dream dinner.
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 go for medium-well? Did you add extra garlic or maybe throw in some red chili flakes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook bolder, creamier dinners.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great! Zoe Recipes on Pinterest
Conclusion
This Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is comfort food with a bold streak. With tender slices of Cajun-spiced steak nestled into a cheesy, garlicky cream sauce and swirled around perfectly cooked pasta, it’s hard to resist. Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and indulgent flavor make it a recipe worth saving—and savoring again and again.
Print
Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy, bold, and irresistibly rich, this Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce brings together juicy Cajun-seasoned steak, velvety garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. Pat dry and coat well with Cajun seasoning on all sides. Let it rest.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and reserve some pasta water.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted. Adjust thickness with pasta water if needed.
6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
7. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Return steak to skillet and mix gently.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Creaminess depends on the cheese melt—stir gently and slowly for a smooth sauce.
Avoid overcooking steak when reheating—use gentle heat and add a splash of milk.
You can add a pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg