why make this recipe
This dish mixes bold Cajun steak flavor with a creamy cheese sauce and pasta. It cooks fast and fills you up. It works for a weeknight dinner or a simple weekend meal. The spice and cheese make it a crowd pleaser.
introduction
This recipe pairs spicy steak tips with smooth, cheesy fettuccine for a rich and tasty plate. If you like steak pasta blends, you might also enjoy a similar take on steak and pasta like garlic butter steak tips with penne for another fast, creamy option.
how to make Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Fettuccine
- Cook the pasta first so it will be ready when the sauce is done. Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente, save some pasta water, then drain.
- Dry the steak tips and season them well with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Searing gives the best crust.
- Heat olive oil on medium-high and sear the steak tips 2–3 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan so the sauce can start in the same skillet.
- Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic and cook briefly until you smell it, then pour in the cream. Add mozzarella and Parmesan and stir until smooth. Add red pepper flakes for more heat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce and fold the steak tips back in so each bite has pasta and steak. Serve hot with parsley and extra Parmesan.
For a different meal style, try a simple one-pot Cajun pasta idea or a baked chicken version for a change of pace, like baked chicken burritos with cheesy green chili sauce.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye, bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
- Sprinkle of Cajun seasoning (for garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Pat steak tips dry and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (~30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently, then add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add red pepper flakes for heat and reserved pasta water if you want a thinner sauce.
Step 4: Toss cooked fettuccine in the creamy sauce and return steak tips to the skillet, folding gently into the pasta.
Step 5: Plate fettuccine with steak tips on top, garnished with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
how to serve Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Fettuccine
Serve hot on large plates. Add extra Parmesan and a pinch of Cajun seasoning on top. A simple side salad or steamed green beans balance the richness. Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
how to store Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Fettuccine
Cool to room temperature, then put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to restore sauce texture. Do not freeze the cream sauce; it may separate when thawed.
tips to make Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Fettuccine
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning to get a better sear.
- Use medium-high heat for a good crust, then lower heat for the sauce.
- Save pasta water to loosen the sauce, adding a little at a time.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for better melt and flavor.
- If you want milder food, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
variation (if any)
- Swap steak tips for sliced chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use penne or rigatoni if you prefer tube pasta.
- Stir in spinach or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Make it smokier with a bit more smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes. Sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak work well when cut into bite-sized pieces.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try a dairy-free cream and non-dairy cheese, but the sauce will be less rich.
Q: How do I know when steak tips are done?
A: Sear 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare depending on size. Use a meat thermometer: 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium-rare.
Q: Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook and chill steak and pasta separately, then warm and combine in the sauce when ready to eat.
Conclusion
If you like bold, creamy pasta with a spicy kick, this dish is simple and fast to make. For more Cajun-style pasta ideas with lots of vegetables, see One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with lots-of-veg – RecipeTin Eats.
Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Fettuccine
Ingredients
Method
- Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat steak tips dry and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (~30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently, then add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat and reserved pasta water if you want a thinner sauce.
- Toss cooked fettuccine in the creamy sauce and return steak tips to the skillet, folding gently into the pasta.
- Plate fettuccine with steak tips on top, garnished with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.