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Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
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Easy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender seared beef strips with aromatic garlic and bold Cajun spices in a creamy butter sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe delivers comforting heat and rich flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti

Beef and Seasoning

  • 12 oz beef strips (sirloin or flank steak recommended)
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese (for creamier sauce)

Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Season the Beef Strips: Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels. Toss them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly for a bold flavor.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in a single layer and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and keep warm.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt it. Stir in the freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, avoiding burning. Add a bit more Cajun seasoning now for extra flavor.
  5. Combine and Toss: Return the cooked beef strips to the skillet, then add the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic butter sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Optionally, stir in heavy cream or cream cheese now for a creamier texture.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use tender beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for optimal texture.
  • Quick searing prevents overcooking and keeps beef juicy.
  • Freshly minced garlic offers brighter, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help sauce cling to spaghetti.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control the heat level to your liking.
  • Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables for variation.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth; avoid microwaving frozen directly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun spaghetti, garlic butter pasta, beef strips pasta, quick weeknight dinner, one-pan spaghetti, spicy garlic pasta

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/cajun-garlic-butter-spaghetti-with-beef-strips/