Zesty Cajun Steak Alfredo Recipe: A Spicy Twist on Pasta Night

Crafting a mouthwatering cajun steak alfredo brings together bold spices and creamy pasta in a spectacular culinary adventure.

Southern cooking techniques merge with classic Italian influences to create something extraordinary.

Intense paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder dance across perfectly seared beef strips.

Hearty fettuccine noodles provide a rich canvas for these powerful flavors.

Robust marinades penetrate tender meat, ensuring each bite delivers maximum taste sensations.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and smart techniques.

You’ll want to savor every incredible forkful of this comforting, zesty meal.

Spicy Cream Pasta Steak: Why You’ll Want Seconds

• Savor Quick Gourmet Meal: Elevate your dinner with a restaurant-quality dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, making gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
• Master Impressive Technique: Learn professional cooking skills like perfectly searing steak and creating a rich, creamy sauce that will boost your culinary confidence.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Adjust spice levels with Cajun seasoning to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for heat lovers and mild palate enthusiasts.
• Enjoy Protein-Packed Comfort: Combine tender steak with creamy pasta for a satisfying meal that delivers both indulgence and nutrition in one delicious plate.

What’s Needed for Pasta Steak Perfection

• Steak: A flavorful cut of beef that provides rich protein and serves as the main star of the dish.

• Pasta: The base of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce base for the pasta.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the sauce's smooth consistency.
• Cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy element to enhance the sauce's flavor.

• Cajun Spice, Salt, Pepper: Provide bold and zesty seasoning for the steak and overall dish.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce and steak.

Quick Guide to Spicy Cream Pasta Steak

Step 1: Season Steak Generously

Grab your fresh steak and coat it with olive oil.

Sprinkle Cajun spice blend, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper all over the meat, pressing the seasonings into the surface to create a flavorful crust.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat a cast-iron skillet until smoking hot.

Place the seasoned steak into the pan, listening for that satisfying sizzle.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side to achieve a beautiful medium-rare doneness with a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Let Steak Rest

Remove steak from heat and transfer to a cutting board.

Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the juices redistribute throughout the steak.

This ensures each slice remains incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 4: Slice Steak Thinly

Using a sharp knife, slice the rested steak against the grain into thin, elegant strips that will beautifully drape over the pasta.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic oils, creating a rich foundation for the sauce.

Step 6: Build Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Black pepper

Pour cream into the skillet and let it simmer gently.

Whisk in the cheese and seasonings until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety, with a slight kick from the red pepper flakes.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss freshly cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the rich, spicy mixture.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the sauced pasta on plates, strategically place the sliced steak on top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Secrets for Spicy Creamy Goodness

• Pat steak dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavors.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your heat tolerance, using mild or hot blends to suit personal preference.
• Remove pan from heat when adding cheese to avoid curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cut steak perpendicular to muscle fibers for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve the perfect silky consistency.

Pasta Steak: New Twists to Explore

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, seasoned with the same Cajun spices for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the rich, creamy flavor.
• Lighter Protein Option: Substitute steak with grilled chicken breast or salmon, keeping the spicy cream sauce and maintaining a protein-packed meal.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta and pair with grilled protein for a keto-friendly version of the classic dish.

Plating Spicy Cream Pasta Steak

• Steakhouse Romance: Create a romantic dinner setup with candlelight and soft music, making the pasta dish feel like a luxurious date night experience.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair the spicy cream pasta steak with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add nutritional value.
• Flavor Boost Extras: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and added freshness that complements the steak's robust taste.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to enhance the steak's spicy Cajun seasoning and creamy pasta sauce.

How to Keep Pasta Steak Fresh

• Store leftover pasta and steak separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap pasta and steak individually in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Warm sliced steak gently in microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals or reheat in a skillet with a small amount of butter to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the cut.

• How spicy is this pasta dish?

The Cajun spice adds a medium heat level. You can reduce or increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to control spiciness.

• What type of cheese works best?

Parmesan or romano cheese are ideal. They melt smoothly and add a rich, tangy flavor to the cream sauce.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Cajun Steak Alfredo Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Cajun steak alfredo delivers a spicy southern twist on classic Italian pasta perfection. Rich, creamy sauce and blackened steak create a bold flavor journey you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) sirloin/ribeye steak
• 1 cup (100 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Components:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
• Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Coat the steak generously with oil, applying a robust blend of Cajun spice, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful exterior.
2. Heat a skillet to high temperature and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, achieving a perfect medium-rare doneness with a beautifully caramelized crust.
3. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, ensuring the juices redistribute evenly before slicing into thin, tender strips.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
5. Pour cream into the skillet, reducing heat to create a gentle simmer that develops a rich, velvety sauce.
6. Gradually incorporate cheese and selected seasonings, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure each strand is thoroughly coated with the creamy, spiced mixture.
8. Artfully arrange the pasta on serving plates, strategically layering the thinly sliced steak on top and finishing with an elegant garnish.

Notes

• Cook steak to room temperature before seasoning for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
• Use high-heat cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed for perfect sear without burning.
• Pat steak dry with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Let steak rest after cooking to redistribute juices, preventing dry meat and maintaining tenderness.
• Choose freshly grated parmesan for smoother, more authentic cheese sauce consistency.
• Adjust cream sauce spiciness by controlling Cajun seasoning amount for personal heat preference.
• For gluten-free option, use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternative.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 817 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg