Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Spaghetti never tasted so indulgent until it met this spicy Cajun twist. Creamy, garlicky, buttery sauce wraps each strand of pasta like a velvet coat, while tender strips of seasoned beef add heartiness to every bite. This dish is not only packed with flavor but brings a comforting Southern-inspired edge that pasta night truly needed.
The rich Cajun cream sauce is beautifully balanced with fresh garlic and butter, offering both heat and richness. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an at-home date night, this spaghetti feels restaurant-worthy with very little effort in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
This dish is the perfect mix of spicy and savory, creamy and bold. The Cajun seasoning delivers that punchy warmth, while garlic butter brings in the familiar cozy notes. Using spaghetti makes it satisfying and accessible, but the beef strips elevate it into something memorable. If you love meals that come together quickly yet taste like they took hours, this one is for you.
What Kind of Beef Strips Should I Use?
Flank steak or sirloin are both great choices because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced against the grain. Look for cuts with a little marbling for added flavor. Avoid overcooking—a quick sear is all they need before finishing in the sauce. If you’re short on time, pre-cut beef strips from the butcher section also work beautifully.
Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
Every element in this dish is chosen for both flavor and texture, resulting in a pasta experience that hits all the right notes. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, with a few flavor boosters that make all the difference.
- Spaghetti: Classic and easy to find, spaghetti gives a great texture to soak up the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Beef strips: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak. They cook quickly and hold flavor exceptionally well.
- Butter: This creates the luscious base for our sauce and brings that melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that deep, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
- Heavy cream: It adds creaminess and balances out the spice from the Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the dish—a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs that give it warmth and kick.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty umami richness to the sauce and helps it thicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the beef and lightly toast the garlic before building the sauce.


How To Make the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef strips with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Sear until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about a cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add more Cajun seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Use a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Finish with the Beef
Return the beef strips to the skillet and let them warm through in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
This pasta is best served hot, right after tossing everything together so the sauce is still silky and clinging to the noodles. It comfortably serves four people as a main course and will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to help bring the sauce back to life. Gently warm it over low heat on the stove or microwave in intervals, stirring in between.
What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips?
Garlic Bread with Herbs
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce. Add some fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Simple Arugula Salad
Peppery greens dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil contrast beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted broccoli brings a slightly charred, earthy flavor that pairs well with the Cajun spice.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy corn brushed with lime butter offers a fresh balance to the spice and cream.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
A chilled cucumber salad with yogurt or sour cream brings a cooling element to your plate.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Mushrooms cooked in garlic and butter echo the savory notes of the sauce while adding depth.
Parmesan Asparagus
Lightly grilled or roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a crunchy contrast to the pasta.
Lemon Iced Tea
For a refreshing drink option, lemon iced tea adds a citrusy lift to cleanse your palate between bites.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?
If you loved this Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips, don’t miss these other bold, satisfying pasta creations from Luna Meals:
- Try our Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for a faster weeknight fix with the same bold flavors.
- Go for something cheesy and indulgent with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
- For a steak lover’s spin, check out our Flavorful Mediterranean Steak Bowls with herb-forward notes.
- Looking for a cream-based twist? Our Creamy Mushroom Ravioli delivers big on comfort.
- Or cozy up with the ultimate Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake that’s hearty and satisfying.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the Cajun spice or keep it mild? Did you use sirloin or opt for another cut of beef?
I love seeing how you all make these dishes your own. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, either—we’re all here to make amazing food together.
Explore more daily recipe ideas and food inspiration on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy creation.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips brings the heat, richness, and comfort all in one skillet. It’s one of those meals that impresses guests but is easy enough for a Tuesday night. With bold Cajun spices, velvety cream, and seared beef strips, it offers layer after layer of flavor. Whether you’re cooking to treat yourself or to wow a dinner table, this dish promises to satisfy.
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Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is a rich and spicy pasta recipe featuring tender seared beef, bold Cajun seasoning, and a velvety garlic butter cream sauce. This dish is the perfect quick dinner with restaurant-quality flavor, ideal for fans of spicy pasta, garlic cream sauces, and weeknight comfort meals.
Ingredients
225g spaghetti
300g beef strips (sirloin or flank steak)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Season beef strips with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef strips for 2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Toss cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
8. Return beef strips to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley.
Notes
Use good-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
Slice beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Add a splash of lemon juice if you want brightness to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg