Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Delight

Fork tender steak bites seared in garlic butter get tossed with creamy Cajun Alfredo and perfectly cooked pasta spirals for an indulgent yet easy meal. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan and a shower of parsley each bite delivers a savory balance of richness and heat. The sauce clings to every twist of pasta marrying smoky paprika garlic and Cajun spice for plenty of flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes this dish is both weeknightfriendly and special enough for guests. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a comforting dinner everyone will savor.

I made this for a lastminute dinner with friends and we polished off the pot before anyone could reach for seconds. It has become a top request dinner at my house.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: cubed makes the meal lean juicy and holds up well to high heat look for bright red color with minimal marbling for tenderness
• Olive oil: adds flavor and helps brown the steak choose extra virgin for the fullest taste
• Butter: unsalted is best to control salt and create a rich buttery sauce
• Fresh garlic: minced brings the signature garlic kick choose firm plump cloves for best flavor
• Garlic powder: adds a second layer of garlic flavor that seasons the steak beautifully opt for fresh and fragrant powder
• Smoked paprika: adds warmth and depth use Spanish smoked paprika if you can find it for an extra rich taste
• Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning every element
• Red pepper flakes: bring subtle heat use lightly if you prefer a milder dish
• Twisted pasta: such as rotini or fusilli holds onto sauce well select high quality pasta with good texture
• Heavy cream: provides the base for the rich Alfredo sauce use full fat for the creamiest results
• Parmesan cheese: is tangy salty and melts beautifully fresh grated is best
• Cajun seasoning: creates the unique Cajun Alfredo twist choose your favorite blend and taste it first for saltiness
• Fresh parsley: adds color and a bright fresh note chop right before serving

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook until just al dente usually about eight to ten minutes. Taste as you go to catch the perfect bite. Before draining set aside half a cup of pasta water for later use to thin the sauce if needed.

Season and Sear the Steak:

Toss the sirloin cubes with salt pepper garlic powder and smoked paprika making sure every piece is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place the steak cubes in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for about two minutes. Turn the pieces to brown all sides evenly creating a nice crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest to keep it juicy.

Create Garlic Butter Base:

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet scraping up any brown bits left from the steak to add depth of flavor. When melted add the minced garlic stirring constantly for one to two minutes until golden and fragrant but not burnt as burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Build the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet then add Cajun seasoning garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer stirring frequently. Let the sauce bubble for three to four minutes to slightly thicken. Off the heat stir in the Parmesan cheese. This ensures a silky smooth creamy sauce without curdling.

Combine with Pasta:

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every spiral in creamy Cajun Alfredo. If the sauce feels too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it and give it a glossy finish.

Finish with Steak and Serve:

Return the cooked steak bites to the pan mixing everything well so the steak warms through and is fully coated with sauce. Transfer to plates or a serving dish. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh brightness. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

One of my favorite moments with this dish is swirling the pasta spirals through the creamy sauce picking up tender steak bits and just the right spicy kick from Cajun seasoning. My family always fights for the last spoonful of sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. To freeze portion the pasta and steak separately to maintain the best texture and thaw in the fridge overnight before recombining and reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sirloin steak can be swapped with strip steak flank steak or even chicken breast for a lighter option. For a dairy free version use coconut cream instead of heavy cream though the flavor will be a bit less rich. If Parmesan is not available pecorino romano makes a great tangy substitute or use vegan Parmesan for a plant based twist.

Serving Suggestions

Since this is a rich pasta I like to serve it with a crisp green salad and fresh crunchy bread. Roasted broccolini or steamed green beans bring bright freshness to the table. A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish amps up the brightness and balances the richness beautifully.

Try this once and you will see how garlic butter steak pasta turns a simple weeknight into a little celebration. It never fails to impress.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I keep steak pieces juicy and tender?

Quickly sear steak cubes over high heat and avoid overcooking. Let the steak rest briefly before adding to the pasta to retain moisture.

→ Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, farfalle, or rigatoni work well and capture the creamy sauce beautifully, providing great texture and flavor in each bite.

→ What creates the creamy sauce texture?

The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan melts into a silky, luscious sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The heat depends on your Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. Adjust both to taste for mild to bold warmth according to your preference.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the steak and sauce in advance. Reheat gently and combine just before serving for best results.

→ How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the sauce?

Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating on the stove or microwave to restore the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent drying.