Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern Fusion
Ingredients: 400g linguine; 400g beef strips (flank, sirloin, or ribeye); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

There’s something magical about the mix of Cajun spices, garlic butter, and perfectly seared beef. This Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips wraps together heat, richness, and comfort in every single bite. If you love a pasta dish that brings bold flavor without feeling overly heavy, this one is a must-try.

The linguine nests itself in a buttery sauce infused with garlic and Cajun seasoning, while the beef strips remain juicy and peppery with just the right amount of char. This is the kind of meal you can proudly whip up for a cozy night in or even serve to impress dinner guests with your kitchen prowess.

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

This pasta dish comes together fast and hits every craving in one pan. The Cajun spices give it a smoky, spicy kick that balances beautifully with the silky garlic butter sauce. The beef? Tender, flavorful, and seared to perfection. It’s hearty but not too rich, satisfying but not overwhelming. A restaurant-quality dish you can make easily in your own kitchen.

It also plays well with add-ins like mushrooms, spinach, or even shrimp if you’re feeling extra. Plus, the leftovers reheat like a dream, making it a solid choice for meal prep.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for This Recipe?

Choosing the right cut of beef makes a big difference. For this recipe, go for something that cooks quickly and stays tender. Flank steak, sirloin, or even ribeye all work wonderfully. The key is slicing it thinly against the grain and giving it a fast, hot sear so you lock in the juices without overcooking.

You want a good contrast to the creamy Cajun sauce, and these cuts deliver just the right bite without being chewy. If you have leftover grilled steak on hand, this dish is a fantastic way to breathe new life into it.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips

To make this bold and buttery dish come together, you only need a few flavorful essentials. Each ingredient plays a special role in building layers of spice, richness, and savory satisfaction.

Linguine
Beef strips (such as flank, sirloin, or ribeye)
Cajun seasoning
Garlic cloves
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley

Linguine holds the sauce beautifully with its flat, wide strands, making each bite rich and flavorful. Beef strips provide a meaty, satisfying element that contrasts with the creamy sauce. Cajun seasoning brings warmth, depth, and a slight kick. Garlic cloves are a non-negotiable in building that buttery, aromatic foundation.

Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while adding a velvety texture. Olive oil is essential for searing the beef to perfection. Heavy cream balances out the spice with richness, and Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce for a savory, umami touch. A pinch of salt and black pepper ties everything together, and fresh parsley adds a pop of green and brightness at the end.

Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni 2

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

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

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

Step 2: Sear the Beef Strips

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your beef strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter. Add the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Return the cooked linguine to the skillet, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the creamy mixture. Add back the seared beef strips and stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and top it with chopped fresh parsley for color and a fresh bite. Serve hot, and enjoy every spicy, buttery forkful.

How to Serve and Store This Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips

This dish is ideal for serving hot and fresh out of the skillet. The buttery Cajun sauce coats the pasta best when it’s just cooked, and the beef is at its juiciest when served right after searing. This recipe feeds about 4 people generously, making it perfect for a small gathering or a hearty family dinner.

If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or water and warm it over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until everything is smooth and steamy again.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine?

Garlic Bread with a Twist

A crusty loaf brushed with herb-garlic butter and toasted until golden will complement the richness of the linguine.

Roasted Broccolini

Lightly charred broccolini adds bitterness that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

Zesty Lemon Caesar Salad

The bright, tangy flavors of a Caesar salad with lemon zest and crunchy croutons cut through the richness.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn with lime butter or Cajun mayo fits perfectly alongside the Southern flavors of the dish.

Creamy Polenta

For an extra comforting combo, serve a scoop of creamy polenta underneath or alongside your linguine.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked in garlic butter deepen the umami flavors and are great for mixing into bites of pasta.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

A cool, crisp salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette brings refreshing contrast.

Red Wine or Iced Tea

A glass of dry red wine enhances the savory beef, while a cold iced tea keeps things casual and refreshing.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Southern Twist?

If this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try these other flavorful recipes from Luna Meals:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a creamy, smoky upgrade.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe that delivers bold spice in under 30 minutes.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood lovers craving comfort.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a bold, zesty take on linguine.
• Flavorful Mediterranean Steak Bowls when you want something hearty but light.

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 swap the beef for shrimp or chicken? Did you go extra heavy on the Cajun spice?

I love seeing the tweaks you make to bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy dinner idea!

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips brings restaurant-style decadence right to your table, with simple steps and punchy flavors that anyone can master. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving something rich and spicy, this dish delivers satisfaction every single time. Get ready for empty plates and recipe requests—this one’s a keeper.