Get ready to meet your new comfort food obsession. This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. With tender, seared beef, rich garlicky butter, and a silky Cajun cream sauce clinging to every noodle, it’s bold, savory, and perfectly indulgent.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just craving something special on a weeknight, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The Cajun spice brings a smoky heat, the garlic butter adds comforting richness, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with a luscious finish that keeps you going back for bite after bite.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Spaghetti is our go-to here because it wraps itself around that creamy Cajun sauce like a dream. But you can definitely substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or even a hearty bucatini for a more toothsome bite. The key is using something long and twirlable so it holds onto all that velvety goodness.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Beef Strips – Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye. Sear it well for caramelized edges that add depth to every bite.

Spaghetti – The base of the dish, cooked al dente to hold up against the rich sauce.

Garlic – Minced fresh garlic sautéed in butter gives the dish its signature aroma and flavor punch.

Butter – Don’t skimp! This brings richness and silky texture to the sauce.

Heavy Cream – The backbone of the creamy Cajun sauce, giving it that lush, smooth body.

Cajun Seasoning – Adds warmth, smokiness, and a little kick. Use store-bought or make your own.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth to balance the spice and cream.

Fresh Parsley – A bright finish that cuts through the richness and adds color.

Chili Flakes (optional) – If you want an extra kick beyond the Cajun blend.

Olive Oil – Used to sear the beef and prevent sticking.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Step 1: Sear the Beef Strips

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef strips in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Sear until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet used for the beef, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and chili flakes if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Finish with Beef and Parsley

Return the beef strips to the skillet and gently mix them in. Let everything warm through for a minute or two. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Spaghetti Dish

Serve this pasta hot and fresh, straight from the skillet to the plate. A light garnish of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley is all it needs. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein instead of beef?

Yes! Chicken breast, shrimp, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is there a dairy-free option for this dish?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free butter and Parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying.

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some blends are milder than others. Start small and taste as you go. Add chili flakes for more heat.

Can I prep this in advance?

You can cook the beef and even the sauce ahead of time, then reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?

A store-bought Cajun blend works great, but you can also make your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not recommended because the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store it short-term in the fridge.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this creamy Cajun spaghetti, here are more comfort-filled meals you’ll want to try next:

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – A hearty, fuss-free dinner with rich flavor in every bite.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef – Bold garlic flavor and savory beef pair perfectly in this creamy rigatoni.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli – A veggie-forward twist that’s still ultra creamy.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup – Lasagna night meets soup season with this cheesy bowl of joy.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli – A perfect pasta night for busy weeknights.

📌 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 spice? Add mushrooms or bell peppers?

I love seeing your twists on these recipes. Got questions or tips? Drop them below — let’s keep the flavor conversation going.

💡 For even more creamy comfort recipes and daily cooking inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam.

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Cajun garlic butter spaghetti with beef strips is a decadent, spicy, and savory pasta dish that comes together in under an hour. Juicy seared beef, silky garlic butter, and a luscious Cajun cream sauce coat every strand of spaghetti for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Instructions

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

2. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add the Parmesan and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt or chili flakes if desired.

5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

6. Return the seared beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything heat through, about 1–2 minutes.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.