If you crave a meal that brings bold, exciting flavors paired with creamy, comforting pasta, then you are going to love this Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, perfectly seasoned steak with a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce coating luscious fettuccine noodles, creating an unforgettable dinner that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or impressing guests, this dish delivers flair and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredible together, each playing a vital role in building texture, richness, and the unmistakable Cajun kick of this recipe.
- Ribeye or sirloin steaks: Choose well-marbled cuts for juicy tenderness and robust flavor.
- Cajun seasoning: This blend packs spice and smoky notes to give the steak its signature kick.
- Olive oil: Perfect for a quick sear that locks in steak juices.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and helps create that rich, silky sauce with garlic.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses warmth and depth.
- Heavy cream: Builds the luscious base of the parmesan sauce.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that iconic cheesy finish.
- Fettuccine pasta: Its broad ribbons catch the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of heat if you like it spicier.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
Start by generously coating your steaks with Cajun seasoning, pressing it firmly into the meat so every bite bursts with bold flavors. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the steaks for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for a juicy medium-rare. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain to keep it tender and juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
While your steak rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the fettuccine until just al dente. Be sure to reserve a half cup of the pasta water before draining to later help loosen the sauce if necessary. This simple pasta base is the perfect canvas to take on the rich parmesan sauce.
Step 3: Create the Parmesan Sauce
Use the same skillet used for the steak so you carry over all those delicious browned bits left behind. Lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well while scraping browned bits from the pan. Let this simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it slightly thickens, building a luxuriously creamy foundation.
Step 4: Combine Cheese and Pasta
Stir in grated parmesan cheese and allow it to melt smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency. Then toss the fettuccine directly into this luscious sauce, stirring well to coat every ribbon evenly. Finish by seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate up generous portions of pasta and top with the sliced Cajun steak. This layering balances the creamy pasta with that spicy steak, making every forkful exciting and comforting at the same time.
How to Serve Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green contrast that brightens the dish visually and adds an herbaceous lift to cut through the richness. Sprinkle extra grated parmesan for a cheesy flourish, and if you love a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will elevate the spice layer beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus seasoned with garlic and olive oil. The freshness and crunch offer a lovely textural counterpoint to the silky pasta and steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner party, serve the fettuccine twirled elegantly into nests on each plate and fan the steak slices over the top. Drizzle a little extra parmesan sauce around the edge for a restaurant-quality finish that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store the steak separately from the pasta in airtight containers. This keeps the textures intact and prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
While the steak is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the parmesan fettuccine pasta—just cool it completely, toss with a little olive oil, and freeze in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to enjoy later.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak slices gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Heat the pasta with a splash of cream or milk in a saucepan to restore creaminess and stir frequently to prevent sticking. This helps retain the luscious texture and vibrant flavors of the original meal.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye and sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use filet mignon or flank steak if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to your desired doneness.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning and whether you add the optional red pepper flakes. You can always adjust to your taste—start mild and add more heat gradually.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can try half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich or thick as the original heavy cream base.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is quick and perfectly suited for busy evenings, with a total cook time of around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To adapt this to a vegetarian meal, swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or spiced tofu and follow the rest of the recipe as is for that creamy, flavorful parmesan pasta experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying combination of juicy, spicy steak nestled atop creamy, cheesy fettuccine. This Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta Recipe is a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures that will quickly become a favorite. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again to wow yourself and loved ones alike!
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Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, seasoned ribeye or sirloin steaks with creamy, cheesy fettuccine pasta. The steaks are seared to medium-rare perfection with a bold Cajun seasoning, then sliced and served atop a rich Parmesan cream sauce pasta. A touch of red pepper flakes adds an optional spicy kick, while fresh parsley adds brightness to the plate. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Generously coat the steaks with Cajun seasoning, pressing it firmly into the surface to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and sear for 3–4 minutes per side to achieve a medium-rare interior. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness, then slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the steaks, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the cream simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir grated parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, allowing it to melt completely. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach a smooth, sauce consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine into the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy parmesan sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top it with slices of the Cajun-seasoned steak. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, optional red pepper flakes for heat, and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.
- Steak doneness can be adjusted according to preference; cook an extra minute per side for medium or longer for well-done.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and taste results.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more people.
