Few dishes feel as indulgent and satisfying as tender garlic butter steak bites served over creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta. This recipe brings together bold flavors and rich textures in a way that feels restaurant-worthy yet completely achievable at home. The steak is seared until caramelized on the outside while remaining juicy inside, then coated in fragrant garlic butter. Meanwhile, the twisted pasta captures every drop of the velvety Cajun Alfredo sauce, creating the perfect bite every time.
I once tried adding a touch of smoked paprika alongside the Cajun seasoning, and it deepened the flavor beautifully. This meal strikes the perfect balance between heat, creaminess, and savory richness. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavor and comforting satisfaction in every forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines perfectly seared steak with a creamy, spicy pasta that clings beautifully to twisted noodles. It feels luxurious yet comes together quickly, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy garlic butter steak bites served over twisted pasta tossed in a rich and spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce. A bold, creamy, and satisfying dinner perfect for steak and pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 1/2 lb (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook twisted pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat steak cubes dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, remaining salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until fully coated.
- In a small pan, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter and toss steak bites briefly to coat in garlic butter.
- Serve Cajun Alfredo pasta topped with garlic butter steak bites and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use ribeye instead of sirloin for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak to ensure a good crust.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sirloin Steak
Sirloin is ideal for steak bites because it is tender, flavorful, and cooks quickly. Cutting it into even cubes ensures consistent searing and juicy results.
Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the steak and balances the richness of the sauce.
Olive Oil
Olive oil helps achieve a proper sear on the steak while preventing sticking.
Unsalted Butter
Butter forms the base of the garlic coating for the steak bites, adding richness and a glossy finish.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
Twisted Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli)
The spiral shape captures the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is coated with flavor.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce, providing smoothness and body.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan thickens the sauce and adds sharp, savory depth.
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning delivers bold spice and smoky heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Paprika
Paprika enhances color and adds subtle warmth to the Alfredo sauce.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds brightness and a fresh finish to balance the richness of the dish.
Directions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the twisted pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer, cooking undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to achieve a golden crust. Turn and cook for another 2–3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and keep warm.
In a separate pan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in Cajun seasoning and paprika. Allow it to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Plate the creamy pasta and top generously with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 generous portions
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the steak from becoming tough.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or increase the Cajun seasoning slightly. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the seasoning and add a small amount of cream cheese for added creaminess without extra spice.
You can substitute ribeye or strip steak for a richer cut. I once used filet tips for an even more tender result, and the texture was incredibly luxurious. For a lighter alternative, grilled chicken can replace the steak while still pairing beautifully with the Cajun Alfredo sauce.
Vegetables such as sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to increase nutritional value and texture. Stir them into the sauce just before adding the pasta.
For a smoky twist, incorporate a small amount of smoked paprika or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the steak bites. Those seeking a lower-carb option can substitute zucchini noodles for pasta while keeping the steak and sauce components intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 760 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and exact measurements used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Sear Without Crowding
Cook steak in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated Parmesan.
Control the Heat
Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to match your spice preference.
Rest the Steak Briefly
Allow steak bites to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
Reserve Pasta Water
Starchy pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency while maintaining creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or fettuccine also work well with Alfredo sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling after adding the cheese.
Can I prepare the steak ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but you can sear it slightly underdone and reheat gently.
Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It can vary by brand, so start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and confirm your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin is ideal for tenderness and value, but ribeye offers richer flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is a bold, comforting meal that combines tender, flavorful beef with creamy, spicy pasta. It delivers restaurant-quality results with approachable preparation, making it a dependable favorite for both special dinners and everyday indulgence.
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