Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

When you’re craving comfort food with a bold twist, this Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is your answer. Picture juicy slices of seasoned steak seared to perfection, nestled into creamy, cheesy pasta that carries just the right amount of Cajun kick. The garlic parmesan sauce ties everything together with savory elegance, making every bite unforgettable.
This recipe isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about bringing together bold flavors and tender textures in one dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or elevate your weekday dinner routine, this pasta offers both comfort and culinary excitement. It’s rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta
The magic of this dish lies in its balance. You get the heat from the Cajun spice, the richness of melted cheeses, the savoriness of steak, and the depth of garlic. It feels like a steakhouse dinner and a pasta night all rolled into one. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home with everyday ingredients.
From weeknight comfort meals to casual dinner parties, this pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It delivers a luxurious mouthfeel and flavor complexity without complicated steps.
What Kind of Steak Should I Use?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While ribeye or sirloin adds indulgent tenderness and marbling, you can absolutely go for flank steak or skirt steak for a more budget-friendly but still flavorful option. Just be sure to slice against the grain to keep the texture tender. Marinating the steak beforehand in a little olive oil and Cajun seasoning can also enhance the flavor before searing.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
To build a flavor-packed pasta dish, you need a smart combination of ingredients that each play a delicious role. This isn’t your average pasta night—every element brings its own character to the plate. From the bold Cajun spices to the smooth richness of garlic parmesan, the ingredients here create a perfectly harmonized dish.
- Steak: Choose a well-marbled cut like ribeye or sirloin for tender bites that sear beautifully.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds that smoky, peppery kick that defines this dish.
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best to hold onto the sauce and steak.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the cream sauce with deep, savory flavor.
- Heavy cream: The base of the parmesan sauce, it brings that velvety, rich texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum melt and flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Helps add gooey cheesiness to coat the pasta.
- Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and build the sauce base.
- Olive oil: For searing the steak and adding richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season every layer of the dish.
- Fresh parsley: A touch of green at the end for freshness and color.


How To Make the Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Pat the steak dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and medium-rare inside. Let it rest before slicing thinly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the steak cooks, boil your pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it if needed. Mix in sliced steak, folding everything gently so the cheese clings to every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped parsley and another sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if you love the heat. Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, spicy, steak-filled goodness.
How to Serve and Store Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This pasta dish is best served fresh off the stove, when the cheeses are still melty and the steak is perfectly warm and tender. Spoon generous portions into bowls, ensuring everyone gets a hearty mix of pasta, steak, and creamy sauce. It’s a full-flavored dinner that doesn’t need much else to make it feel complete.
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the pasta will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
This recipe comfortably feeds 4 people as a main course. If you’re serving sides or appetizers, it can stretch to 6 servings easily.
What to Serve With Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta?
Garlic Bread with a Crispy Edge
The sauce practically begs to be sopped up with a warm, golden slice of garlic bread. It adds a nice crunch to contrast the creamy pasta.
Classic Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.
Roasted Asparagus
Lightly roasted asparagus with olive oil and sea salt brings an earthy green bite to the table.
Cajun-Spiced Shrimp
If you’re serving a crowd or want to go big, Cajun shrimp makes a spicy, elegant companion to the steak pasta.
Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted cherry tomatoes with a balsamic glaze add a sweet-acidic burst that brightens the dish.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Umami-rich mushrooms cooked in butter and garlic pair naturally with the steak and enhance the savory notes.
Simple Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette offers a sharp, fresh side that cuts through the creamy sauce.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl
Surprisingly complementary if you’re doing a mini buffet—its herby flavor won’t clash, and the textures play well together.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cajun Kick?
If you loved this Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce, here are some other bold and savory recipes you can try next:
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a seafood spin with creamy depth.
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you want a vibrant vegetarian option with tangy richness.
- One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for an easy, hearty weeknight meal.
- Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce that adds protein without sacrificing creaminess.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta to keep the creamy, garlicky goodness going.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun? Add mushrooms or onions? Maybe try it with chicken instead of steak?
I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. Questions are always welcome, and your tweaks might inspire someone else’s perfect dinner.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great! Janet Dishes on Pinterest
Conclusion
Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce brings everything you love about comfort food into one dish. Creamy, spicy, cheesy, and savory with perfectly cooked steak, it’s a meal that satisfies deeply. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a centerpiece for a group, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whenever you crave something both bold and soothing. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Cheesy Cajun Steak Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, bold comfort food recipe loaded with tender seared steak, zesty Cajun seasoning, and rich garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for pasta lovers craving something indulgent and flavorful. An easy Cajun steak pasta dinner for any weeknight or dinner party.
Ingredients
1 lb steak (ribeye or sirloin)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the steak dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and medium-rare. Let rest and slice thinly.
3. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
5. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
6. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Add sliced steak and gently fold everything together.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the steak rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting quality.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating leftovers to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg