Spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta with garlic butter steak bites—tender, juicy, and smothered in creamy, bold sauce for the ultimate comfort dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full of Flavor: The Cajun Alfredo sauce is creamy with just the right amount of heat.
Tender Steak: Garlic butter-seared steak bites are juicy and flavorful.

Quick & Impressive: Looks gourmet but is easy enough for a weeknight.
One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
Versatile Dish: Great for date night, family dinner, or a comforting solo meal.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cajun Alfredo Pasta

12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
1 cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

While pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add steak cubes in a single layer (in batches if needed) and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.

Pour in heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Return steak bites to the skillet and toss to combine. Heat for 1–2 more minutes.
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Variations

Make it Mild: Omit red pepper flakes and reduce Cajun seasoning.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work great in this dish.

Swap Protein: Use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
Cheese Boost: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the sauce and steak over steamed vegetables or zucchini noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for this dish?

Sirloin is ideal, but ribeye, strip steak, or flank steak also work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the steak and sauce in advance. Reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

How spicy is this pasta?

It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, farfalle, or fettuccine are all good substitutes for twisted pasta.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can try dairy-free butter, cream, and Parmesan alternatives, though flavor may vary.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream when serving.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make great sides.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, but making it from scratch gives you better flavor and control over the spice.

How do I prevent overcooking the steak?

Sear quickly over high heat and remove from the pan once browned. It will finish cooking in the sauce.

What wine pairs well with this pasta?

A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a creamy white like Chardonnay works beautifully.

Conclusion

Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Steak Bites is the kind of recipe that delivers big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. With tender steak, rich sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress.

More Bold & Buttery Favorites

Try another Cajun twist with the savory and hearty Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya With Ground Beef And Sausage — loaded with bold spices and Southern flair.
Keep it creamy and comforting with One Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta — a weekday-friendly dish bursting with flavor.

Indulge in the ultimate surf-and-turf combo with the rich Steak and Shrimp Fried Rice Supreme — perfect for dinner nights when you want it all.
Enjoy a cheesy twist with the indulgent BBQ Cheddar Ranch Chicken Alfredo Bake — creamy pasta lovers, rejoice!
Add a Southern bite to your side with Crispy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes — the perfect garlicky pairing for steak or pasta dishes.

Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta With Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This bold and comforting dish pairs juicy garlic butter-seared steak bites with creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked twisted pasta—rich, spicy, and made to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

While pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add steak cubes in a single layer (in batches if needed) and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth.
Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to combine. Heat for 1–2 more minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Ensure steak bites are not overcrowded in the pan to maintain a proper sear.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, richest sauce.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste based on spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 650 kcal

Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 45 g

Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g

Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 34 g

Cholesterol: 145 mg