Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

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Bold, creamy, and unapologetically rich, this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni is a pasta dish that doesn’t hold back. With every bite, you get the perfect balance of savory beef, spicy Cajun heat, and the silkiness of garlic butter that wraps around each rigatoni like a warm hug. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, but elegant enough to serve on a special evening.

What makes this dish irresistible is its layers of flavor. The beef strips are seared to lock in their juices, and the garlic butter base is infused with Cajun spices that give just the right amount of kick. When tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, you have a plate that practically demands a second helping.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine

If you’re a fan of spicy comfort food that still feels gourmet, this dish checks all the boxes. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights, but it also impresses for date night or when guests drop in. The contrast of the creamy butter sauce and tender beef with the heat of the Cajun seasoning keeps your palate intrigued.

This recipe also offers flexibility: swap the beef for shrimp or chicken, or even go vegetarian with mushrooms. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s endlessly customizable and deeply satisfying.

What Type of Pasta Should I Use?

While the name might say “linguine,” we’re embracing rigatoni in this version for its ability to hold onto that buttery Cajun sauce. Rigatoni’s ridges catch all the little bits of seasoning and garlic, ensuring every forkful is loaded with flavor. If you’re a purist or just craving a different texture, you can certainly use linguine or even fettuccine—but give rigatoni a try for a truly indulgent twist.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

This dish calls for bold flavors and creamy textures, and each ingredient plays a key role in bringing it to life. Be sure to choose fresh, quality ingredients for the best result.

• Rigatoni pasta: Its ridges grab onto the sauce beautifully and provide a hearty bite.
• Beef sirloin strips: Tender, juicy, and flavorful when seared to perfection.
• Butter: Forms the base of the sauce and gives it a rich, velvety texture.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma.
• Cajun seasoning: Brings the signature spicy kick and a burst of bold flavor.
• Heavy cream: Balances out the heat and gives the sauce its creamy body.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty richness to the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the beef and keep everything luscious.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste, they balance the flavors and season the beef.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

Step 1: Sear the Beef Strips

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef strips with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water and drain.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the beef, lower the heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously. Add the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Beef

Add the drained rigatoni and seared beef strips to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve hot. For extra richness, top with a bit more Parmesan before digging in.

Serving and Storing This Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, perfect for a small family dinner or for saving leftovers. Serve it immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it over medium-low heat.

You can also freeze the dish, though the sauce may slightly separate upon reheating. If freezing, let the pasta cool completely, portion it out, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine?

Garlic Bread with Cheese

A warm, crisp slice of garlic bread topped with melty cheese pairs beautifully with this pasta. It’s perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly charred roasted asparagus adds a bright, earthy contrast to the richness of the dish.

Classic Caprese Salad

The fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil in a caprese salad cools the palate and adds a light, refreshing bite.

Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon

Double down on creamy flavors and serve a side of salmon for a surf-and-turf experience.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

For a bit of Southern charm and crunch, these cornbread poppers bring a little heat and a whole lot of texture.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest

This keeps things healthy and simple, balancing out the richness of the butter sauce with a zesty green side.

Peach Sorbet

If you’re planning dessert, a light and fruity sorbet can cool things off and cleanse the palate.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni, you’ll love exploring more pasta creations on Janet Dishes:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a lighter vegetarian option.
• One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you want something rich with minimal cleanup.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for seafood lovers who crave bold flavors.
• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl to keep things fresh and hearty.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe if you’re looking for a protein-packed twist.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you crank up the Cajun or go easy on the cream? Did you try it with mushrooms or shrimp?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni is not just a meal, it’s an experience. From the buttery sauce to the heat of Cajun spices and the hearty rigatoni, every bite is a satisfying explosion of flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing dinner guests, this dish delivers every time.

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