Description
Cheesy Cajun Steak Linguine with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a spicy and rich pasta dish featuring tender steak slices seasoned with bold Cajun spices, al dente linguine, and a luscious creamy garlic sauce topped with melted Parmesan cheese. This vibrant, easy-to-make dish delivers gourmet flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with a savory twist on classic pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, herbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Steak: Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. In a bowl, coat the steak slices generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every piece is well covered to lock in bold flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about one cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook quickly for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a rich, velvety consistency, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to adjust thickness.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked steak to the sauce, then toss in the drained linguine. Mix everything thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce and the steak is well incorporated. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature steak to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcook the steak; aim for medium-rare to medium for tenderness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh minced garlic to enhance the sauce’s aroma and flavor.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to meld cream and cheese without curdling.
- Season the pasta water, steak, and sauce individually for balanced taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cajun steak linguine, creamy garlic sauce, spicy pasta, cheesy steak pasta, quick dinner, Cajun pasta recipe