Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

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When you’re craving comfort food with a little Southern fire, this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni hits all the right notes. It combines bold Cajun spices, rich garlic butter, and hearty linguine noodles wrapped around perfectly seared strips of juicy beef. The sauce coats every strand, clinging with a silky richness that makes each bite better than the last.

This dish isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, the kick of Cajun heat blooming as it hits the pan, and the tender beef soaking up every drop of flavor turn this pasta into a full-on celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend dinner or trying to impress guests, it serves up flavor that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

This pasta dish has the kind of flavor that sticks with you. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy warmth that’s balanced by the richness of the butter and the mellow sweetness of sautéed garlic. The beef strips are seared just right—crispy on the edges, tender in the center—bringing a satisfying chew that contrasts beautifully with the slippery linguine.

Another reason to love it? It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly. You won’t need to juggle multiple pots or spend your whole evening at the stove. And once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself going back to this dish whenever you want something cozy, spicy, and indulgent.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While this recipe leans into linguine for its smooth texture and ability to hold sauces beautifully, you could easily switch it up. Rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well with the Cajun garlic butter sauce. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold up to the weight of the sauce and beef without getting lost. Rigatoni is a fantastic alternative if you like a little bite and prefer something more tubular that traps the creamy Cajun garlic butter inside.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

What makes this recipe shine is the balance of bold and buttery. Every ingredient plays a role in creating that signature Cajun depth and garlicky richness. Fresh ingredients will always elevate the dish, and seasoning it just right brings the beef and pasta to life.

• Linguine pasta
• Beef sirloin strips
• Unsalted butter
• Minced garlic
• Cajun seasoning
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef sirloin strips and sear them on both sides until golden brown with crisp edges. Once cooked, remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, followed by Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently while stirring, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, boil the linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the seared beef back into the skillet along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and beef in the creamy Cajun garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every spicy, buttery bite.

Serving and Storing This Flavor-Packed Dish

This Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni is hearty enough to serve four hungry people, especially if paired with a side or salad. The creamy Cajun sauce coats the pasta so well that leftovers are just as satisfying the next day. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life without drying it out.

If you want to prep ahead, you can sear the beef and make the sauce a day early. Just store them separately and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to assemble and serve. It makes weeknight dinners feel fancy with almost no work at all.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine?

Garlic Bread with a Crunch

A side of crusty garlic bread is a no-brainer. It soaks up the extra sauce and adds that perfect crunch alongside the silky pasta.

Classic Caesar Salad

The creamy tang of Caesar dressing works wonderfully with the bold Cajun seasoning, and the crisp romaine adds a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Asparagus Spears

Lightly roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of sea salt brings a vegetal freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

Sautéed Green Beans

Tossed with olive oil and lemon zest, green beans bring a pop of color and brightness that lifts every bite.

Balsamic-Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy glazed carrots create a flavor harmony that plays beautifully with the spice in the pasta.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Simple and satisfying, corn adds a Southern comfort touch that pairs naturally with Cajun-spiced dishes.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta

The acidity of fresh tomatoes and herbs on toasted baguette slices keeps the meal vibrant and balanced.

A Glass of Sweet Iced Tea

To cool down the spice and add that Southern charm, a tall glass of sweet tea ties the whole meal together.

Want More Pasta Dishes with Cajun or Creamy Flavor?

If you love this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni, you’ll be thrilled to explore more savory, comforting dishes that bring just as much creamy richness or Southern spice:

• Try the ultra-comforting Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a kid-friendly favorite that never fails.
• Get cozy with the crowd-pleasing Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta packed with flavor and done in under 30 minutes.
• If you’re in the mood for something cheesy and indulgent, check out the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce that’s bursting with umami.
• The Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is another must-try for fans of thick, velvety sauces.
• Or switch it up with the smoky kick of One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta — easy cleanup, big reward.

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And if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you go heavy on the Cajun heat? Maybe added shrimp or switched the pasta? Let me know in the comments — I’m always curious how others make these dishes their own.

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