If you’re craving a meal that’s bold, buttery, and brimming with flavor, this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet will have you coming back for seconds. Juicy strips of steak seared in spiced Cajun butter meet a creamy, velvety pasta sauce that clings to every bite of fettuccine or penne. The entire dish is made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and keeping all those savory flavors locked in.
There’s something especially comforting about tender steak mingling with pasta in a creamy sauce that’s been kissed by Cajun spices. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent, perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply upgrading your weeknight menu. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this skillet has serious wow factor.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
This dish is all about balance: spicy but smooth, hearty but elegant. The Cajun seasoning delivers a gentle kick that gets mellowed out by the creamy sauce, and the buttery sear on the steak locks in juices for maximum flavor. You’ll love how quickly it all comes together too, in under 40 minutes. Best of all, it only takes one skillet to make, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying each bite.
What Kind of Steak Should I Use?
The best cuts for this skillet are ones that cook quickly and stay tender. Sirloin is a great go-to because it’s lean, flavorful, and easy to slice thin. Ribeye will give you a richer, more indulgent result thanks to its marbling, while flank steak works if you slice it against the grain and cook it just right. No matter what cut you choose, be sure to rest your steak before slicing to keep it juicy inside.
Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
This skillet recipe brings together layers of spice, cream, and tender meat. The ingredients work in harmony to create that luxurious, spicy-creamy balance. Let’s walk through what you’ll need:
- Steak: The star of the show, use sirloin or ribeye for best results. Slice thinly for quicker cooking and tender bites.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds the signature heat and smoky depth. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own.
- Butter: Essential for that rich, golden sear on the steak and for carrying the spices through the sauce.
- Garlic: Brings aroma and punch to the dish, blooming beautifully in the butter.
- Heavy cream: This is the base for the creamy sauce, helping to mellow the Cajun heat.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and creaminess, thickening the sauce naturally.
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well, providing the perfect vehicle for the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the steak and sauté the aromatics.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning and balance.


How To Make the Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your sliced steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy inside. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cajun Butter Base
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and a bit more Cajun seasoning. Let it bloom for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and thickens the sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt or Cajun spice as needed.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If it feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water. Return the steak to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy pasta.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let everything warm through for another minute or two, then remove from heat and serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if you’d like.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
This pasta skillet is best served hot straight from the pan when the sauce is silky and the steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It feeds about 4 hungry people, or can stretch to 6 if served with sides. Garnish with extra Parmesan or a pinch of Cajun spice if you’re feeling bold.
For storing, allow the dish to cool before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. The pasta might absorb some sauce overnight, so don’t be shy with that extra splash of liquid.
What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet?
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up that luscious Cajun cream sauce.
Roasted Broccoli
The crisp, slightly charred edges of roasted broccoli balance the creamy richness of the pasta.
Caesar Salad
A crunchy Caesar with tangy dressing brings freshness and contrast to every bite.
Sautéed Green Beans
Lightly sautéed green beans with lemon or almonds make a great veggie companion.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon complements the smokiness of the Cajun butter.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy corn is a natural partner to spice and cream.
Fried Zucchini
Lightly battered zucchini rounds add texture and flavor without stealing the spotlight.
Iced Tea or Lemonade
Cool drinks like sweet tea or a citrusy lemonade round out the meal beautifully.
Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?
If you loved this Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet, you’re in for a treat with these other recipes packed with creamy sauces, beefy richness, and spicy twists:
• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cozy, comforting weeknight classic.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that comes together fast with everyday ingredients.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a Philly-inspired pasta fusion.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you want something hearty, creamy, and filling.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, cheesy, one-dish dinner.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or go heavier on the spice? Maybe used shrimp instead of steak?
I love hearing how you tweak these dishes to fit your taste. If you have questions, drop them below — let’s make cooking easier together.
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Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Creamy Cajun Butter Tender Steak Pasta Skillet combines juicy steak, bold Cajun seasoning, and a rich creamy sauce in one easy skillet dinner. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this steak pasta recipe delivers spicy comfort in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat and add butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Cook until fragrant.
4. Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain.
7. Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.
8. Return steak to the skillet and combine everything. Let heat through for 2 minutes.
9. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Notes
Use sirloin or ribeye for tender, juicy steak.
Make your own Cajun blend for more control over heat.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg