There are those nights when you want something quick but still feel like a proper, comforting dinner. This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips has become one of my go-to meals for those exact moments. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and hits all the right notes of spicy, creamy, and savory, all wrapped up in tender slices of beef and silky pasta.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week when I needed dinner on the table fast but didn’t want to sacrifice taste. The Cajun seasoning adds just enough kick without overwhelming the dish, and the garlic butter sauce brings that classic richness that everyone loves. Plus, the addition of Parmesan cheese adds a sharp creaminess that perfectly balances the spices.
What I especially love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap the beef for chicken or even shrimp, and it still turns out amazing. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a quick but delicious meal.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To make this dish effortlessly delicious, having the right tools and ingredients really helps:
- A large pot for boiling your spaghetti with enough salted water to cook the pasta evenly.
- A heavy skillet or sauté pan to sear the beef strips and then create the garlic butter sauce in the same pan. Using the same pan for both steps helps capture all those flavorful browned bits.
- A good, sharp knife is needed to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This step is key to tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- A whisk or wooden spoon for stirring the sauce, ensuring it thickens smoothly without clumps.
- Don’t forget a measuring cup for reserving pasta water; a little starchy water can be a game-changer for sauce consistency.
With these basics, you’ll breeze through this recipe and get a restaurant-worthy dish at home without fuss.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- Perfectly tender beef strips: Thin slicing against the grain ensures the beef stays juicy and tender after quick searing. The Cajun seasoning gives the beef a flavorful crust that’s just right.
- Garlic butter sauce: The butter and garlic combination creates a rich, aromatic base, elevating the dish with classic flavors.
- Creamy yet light sauce: Using a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream keeps the sauce silky and indulgent without feeling too heavy or greasy.
- Smoked paprika adds warmth: This subtle smoky note layers in beautifully alongside the Cajun spices, adding depth to every bite.
- Parmesan cheese finish: The Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it that irresistible cheesy tang and thickening it just enough to cling to every strand of spaghetti.
- Pasta water magic: Adding reserved pasta water loosens the sauce just enough to coat the noodles smoothly, making each bite luscious and satisfying.
This recipe strikes a wonderful balance of bold flavors and creamy comfort, making it a family-friendly dish that never feels boring or bland.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, then set the spaghetti aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Sear for 3–4 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and allow the sauce to thicken for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Return the cooked beef strips to the skillet and toss everything together. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Easy Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so you can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Swap the beef: Use chicken breast or thighs for a lighter protein, or shrimp for a seafood twist. Just adjust cooking time to ensure your protein is cooked through but still tender.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. Sauté them with Cajun seasoning for a smoky, meaty texture. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just follow the package cooking instructions, as cooking times can vary.
- Dairy-free version: Swap the butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and coconut milk or cashew cream. Nutritionally, it will change the sauce slightly but keep the creamy, comforting feel.
- Spice it up: If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Conversely, reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor that still packs a punch.
- Herb swaps: Fresh cilantro or basil make great garnishes if you want to change up the herbaceous notes.
These variations mean you can keep the recipe fresh and suited to your family’s preferences without losing any of that creamy, savory goodness.
How to Serve
This creamy Cajun garlic butter spaghetti is a full meal on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully can elevate the dinner experience:
- Fresh green salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness and a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette: The buttery garlic sauce on the pasta pairs beautifully with a warm slice of bread to soak up every last bit.
- Roasted or steamed veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color, texture, and nutrition to balance the richness of the dish.
- Light soup starter: Consider a simple tomato basil or vegetable soup to start your meal lightly before diving into the pasta.
- drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a citrus-infused soda complement the spice and richness without overpowering it.
Serving suggestions like these help round out the meal, making it feel special and balanced even on busy weeknights.
Recipe Tips
To make sure your Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Slice beef thinly: Cutting against the grain keeps the beef tender and quick to cook.
- Don’t skip reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes it silky, allowing it to cling to the pasta better.
- Cook garlic gently: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter; cook just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go. Cajun seasoning varies in saltiness and heat, so adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the sauce more than pre-grated options.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the sauce and beef a day in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Always cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness once it’s tossed with the sauce.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the beef, but avoid burning it.
- When making the sauce, whisk constantly after adding broth and cream to prevent lumps.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Be mindful of salt levels since both the cheese and Cajun seasoning contribute saltiness.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 620mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are great choices for quick cooking and tenderness. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender. You can also use skirt steak if you prefer, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The Cajun seasoning provides moderate heat with smoky, savory notes. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the seasoning or opt for Italian seasoning. For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check your Cajun seasoning and broth for gluten-containing ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works but can dry out the beef and sauce, so stir well and add a little liquid if needed.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is the perfect weeknight dinner, fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The tender beef with its spicy seasoning pairs beautifully with a rich, garlicky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet simple enough to pull together on busy evenings, making it a family favorite in my house.
What I love most is how flexible this recipe is. You can easily swap proteins or adjust the spice to suit your family’s preferences without losing the comforting creaminess that makes it so delicious. Plus, the minimal ingredients and short cooking time mean it won’t take over your evening but will still impress everyone at the dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting friends, or just craving a hearty bowl of comfort food, this recipe is a winner every time. Try it out and enjoy the blend of bold Cajun flavors and creamy garlic butter goodness; it just might become your next go-to pasta dish.
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Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, then set the spaghetti aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Sear for 3–4 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and allow the sauce to thicken for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Return the cooked beef strips to the skillet and toss everything together. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 620
- Protein: 35