Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet

If you’re craving something indulgent and flavorful but still want it to come together in one pan, this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet is your answer. Juicy slices of steak seared in cajun-spiced butter, paired with a rich creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta make every bite unforgettable. This dish is the kind of comforting, savory weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant meal without the price tag.
There’s something irresistible about the combination of creamy and spicy. This skillet dinner layers smoky Cajun flavors over buttery seared steak, then mellows it out with luscious cream and Parmesan. It’s got all the soul of a Southern classic with the ease of a 30-minute meal. The best part? You only need one skillet and a handful of everyday ingredients to bring it all together.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
This recipe hits all the high notes: bold flavor, satisfying texture, and minimal cleanup. It’s both impressive enough for guests and easy enough for a quick weeknight fix. The richness of the creamy sauce balances beautifully with the heat of the Cajun seasoning, and the steak adds a savory depth that makes the dish feel hearty and indulgent.
If you love one-skillet meals that taste like comfort food but look and feel gourmet, this pasta skillet will be a new favorite in your rotation. Bonus points for being customizable with your favorite veggies or different pasta shapes.
What Cut of Steak Works Best for a Creamy Pasta Skillet?
Choosing the right steak is key to getting the most flavor and tenderness in this dish. Ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices because they stay tender when quickly seared and have enough marbling to hold up against the rich sauce. Flank or skirt steak will work in a pinch, but make sure to slice them thinly against the grain to avoid chewiness.
Avoid super lean cuts like filet mignon, which can dry out fast when pan-seared. Whatever you choose, give it time to rest after cooking and slice it thinly for the most luxurious texture.
Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
To build a dish this flavorful, it starts with a lineup of bold, balanced ingredients. Each one plays its role in adding richness, spice, or texture to the skillet. With common pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll be amazed how easily it all comes together.
- Steak: Use ribeye or sirloin for tender, juicy bites that sear beautifully in butter.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds that smoky, spicy backbone that defines the flavor profile.
- Butter: Essential for building a rich, golden crust on the steak and flavoring the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and aromatic warmth to the skillet.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base of the sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty richness.
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or any sturdy pasta works great to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Salt & pepper: Season to taste and enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the steak evenly and prevents sticking.
- Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle for color and a pop of freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice crust forms. Remove from the pan and let rest.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the steak is resting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about a half-cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the rest of the butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.
Step 5: Slice and Add the Steak
Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain and return it to the skillet. Stir gently to mix with the pasta, or layer the steak on top for serving.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve immediately while it’s creamy and hot.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
This pasta skillet is best served hot straight from the pan. The sauce is at its creamiest and most flavorful when freshly made, and the steak stays juicy and tender. It makes a generous meal for four people, with satisfying portions that will impress any dinner guest.
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, a splash of cream or milk stirred in while warming on the stovetop will help bring the sauce back to life.
Avoid microwaving the steak directly for too long, as it can overcook and toughen. Instead, reheat the pasta gently and add the steak last just to warm through.
What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Steak Pasta?
Garlic Bread
The creamy sauce begs for something to soak it up, and crispy garlic bread does the job perfectly.
Grilled Asparagus
The char and crunch of asparagus offer a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds freshness and a classic pairing to the plate.
Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted broccoli adds both color and a nutty flavor that complements the creamy elements.
Corn on the Cob
The natural sweetness of corn plays well against the spicy Cajun notes.
Sautéed Spinach
Lightly sautéed spinach adds greens to the meal without overwhelming the flavor.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
A quick, tangy salad like this can brighten the dish and refresh your palate.
Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
If you want to keep the sides warm and savory, these Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are a lovely match.
Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?
If this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet hit the spot, you’re going to love these hearty pasta creations from Luna Meals:
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood twist that’s both rich and elegant.
- Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re craving cheesy comfort.
- Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for a faster version when time is tight.
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a bold, buttery blend of flavors.
- Creamy Mushroom Ravioli when you want something ultra-silky and satisfying.
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Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you go spicy or mild with the Cajun seasoning? Did you sneak in some mushrooms or bell peppers?
I always love hearing your delicious variations and seeing how you make these recipes your own.
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Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet brings comfort and bold flavors to the table in one easy skillet. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe delivers big on taste with little effort. Rich, spicy, creamy, and totally satisfying – it’s everything you want in a dinner worth repeating.
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Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet is a one-pan comfort food recipe featuring juicy steak, spicy Cajun flavors, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights, this rich and easy skillet dish is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients
250 g steak (ribeye or sirloin)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
225 g pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear steak 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crusted, then set aside to rest.
4. Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
7. Add drained pasta to the sauce, using pasta water to loosen as needed.
8. Slice steak thinly against the grain and mix into skillet or serve on top.
9. Garnish with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
10. Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
Notes
Let steak rest after searing before slicing to lock in juices.
Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Grate fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg