Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

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This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is the kind of comfort food that makes any day feel like a treat. Juicy, tender beef strips are pan-seared to perfection and tossed in a luscious Cajun-spiced garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. It’s spicy, rich, and unbelievably satisfying.

With every bite, you get bold Cajun flavors balanced by the creamy base and the deep umami of the beef. It’s a pasta night with attitude, perfect for weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

There are endless reasons to fall in love with this dish. First off, it’s incredibly fast to whip up. With just one skillet and a pot of boiling pasta, cleanup is a breeze. The blend of garlic, butter, cream, and Cajun spices creates a sauce so flavorful, you might just eat it by the spoonful. And let’s not forget the beef strips — they soak in all that goodness and elevate this from a typical pasta dinner to a savory indulgence.

Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s also super adaptable, allowing you to adjust the spice level or swap the protein.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

The best beef for this recipe is something tender that cooks quickly. Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye strips all work beautifully. You want something with a good marbling of fat so it sears up golden and juicy. Just make sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you’re in a pinch, even thinly sliced chuck roast can work if cooked properly.

Avoid overly lean cuts like round steak unless you’re marinating beforehand. The fat content in your beef helps meld beautifully with the creamy sauce, so don’t shy away from a little richness here.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

To bring out the best in this creamy Cajun pasta, each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. From rich dairy to bold spices and a hearty protein, this dish comes together in harmony.

• Spaghetti
• Beef strips
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Cajun seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Beef Strips

In a hot skillet, heat olive oil and sear the beef strips over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Cook just until browned and tender, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and stir in minced garlic. Once fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and whisk until it starts to simmer. Mix in Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until the texture is creamy. Return the beef strips to the skillet and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Every bite should be creamy, spicy, buttery, and beefy in all the best ways.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

This indulgent pasta is best served fresh off the stove, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the beef still tender. Plate it up in a warm dish, topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or chopped parsley for that finishing touch. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a nice brightness too.

This recipe feeds about 4 people generously, making it perfect for a small family dinner or leftovers the next day. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce and gently warm it over low heat.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips?

Garlic Bread

A golden, crispy slice of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy, spicy pasta. It’s perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

The mild char and nutty flavor of roasted broccoli is a great contrast to the creamy Cajun sauce.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and smoky grilled corn brings a Southern flair that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.

Sauteed Green Beans

Quickly sauteed green beans with garlic or a dash of chili flakes can add crunch and color to your plate.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms sautéed in butter or olive oil echo the richness of the sauce and give a savory side.

Cornbread Muffins

For something a little heartier and Southern-inspired, fluffy cornbread muffins are always welcome.

Sweet Iced Tea or Lemonade

Cool down the spice with a refreshing glass of iced tea or tart lemonade to complete your meal.

Want More Cajun-Inspired Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy Cajun garlic butter spaghetti left you craving more bold flavor combinations, you’re in for a treat. Check out some of our other saucy, spicy favorites:

• Creamy Cajun Linguine for a twist on a classic with even more richness.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you’re looking for a weeknight-friendly version with smoky sausage.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini to explore Tex-Mex meets pasta deliciousness.
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta when you’re feeling tropical and want that seafood kick.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine if you love zesty brightness with your creaminess.

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 stick with beef or try it with chicken or shrimp instead? Did you crank up the Cajun spice or keep it mellow?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Ask anything, share your tweaks, or drop your questions below — let’s make dinner amazing together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and cozy dinner ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort dishes!

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is everything you want in a pasta dish: creamy, spicy, buttery, and beefy. It’s weeknight comfort food turned gourmet with just the right amount of heat and indulgence. Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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