Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is the dinner you dream about when you’re craving something rich, comforting, and seriously bold. It’s where tender, juicy steak meets creamy, spicy alfredo—hugged by perfectly cooked rotini noodles that soak up every last drop of flavor. Each bite hits you with a buttery garlic sear from the steak and a spicy kick from the Cajun cream sauce, making it impossible to stop at just one forkful.

This dish is the kind of meal that turns a regular weeknight into a special occasion. It’s rich enough for a cozy dinner in but quick enough to whip up when you’re short on time. The seared steak bites add a restaurant-quality touch, while the Cajun Alfredo sauce gives everything a spicy Southern edge that takes creamy pasta to the next level. Think of it as comfort food, turned all the way up.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?

The best steak cut for this recipe is sirloin or ribeye. Sirloin is lean, flavorful, and holds up well when cut into bites and seared quickly. Ribeye offers a richer, more marbled texture and an extra-juicy finish. Whichever you choose, make sure the steak is at room temperature before cooking to get that perfect crust. You could also use filet mignon if you’re aiming for ultra-tender luxury.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Steak – The star of the dish. Tender steak bites bring bold, meaty flavor and a rich sear from the garlic butter.

Rotini Pasta – These twisted noodles are perfect for holding onto that creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. Any pasta shape will work, but rotini really catches all the good stuff.

Butter – Used to sear the steak and create the garlic-infused base for flavor.

Garlic – Essential for building a savory, aromatic base in both the steak and the sauce.

Heavy Cream – This makes the Alfredo sauce velvety and luscious, balancing the heat from the Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Seasoning – Adds bold spice, smokiness, and color to the Alfredo. You can use store-bought or homemade.

Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the cream sauce, giving it that signature Alfredo flavor and richness.

Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but recommended if you love heat. Adds an extra fiery touch to the dish.

Fresh Parsley – Brings freshness and a pop of color to finish it all off.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak

Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Let the steak sit at room temperature while you prep the pasta and sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and a dash of oil. Once hot, add the steak bites in batches (avoid overcrowding), searing each side for about 1-2 minutes until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be sure to scrape up any flavorful bits left from the steak.

Step 5: Build the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated. Return the steak bites to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan if you like it cheesy.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

This pasta dish is a showstopper on its own, so you don’t need much on the side. Serve it hot in shallow bowls to show off the saucy rotini and seared steak bites. Pair it with a light green salad or some roasted broccoli for balance. A slice of warm garlic bread? Even better for mopping up every bit of that Cajun Alfredo sauce.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid overcooking the steak during reheating to maintain its tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper. Adjust the spice level to your taste.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or even shells work well. Just choose a shape that holds sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep components—cook the pasta and sear the steak—in advance. Assemble and reheat gently just before serving.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium heat level from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit those for a milder version.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check your Cajun seasoning for any gluten additives.

Can I swap the steak for chicken or shrimp?

Definitely! Chicken breast or thighs work great, and shrimp cooks even faster. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Want More Pasta Dinners That Bring the Heat?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta, you’ll want to check out these other hearty, flavor-packed meals from Life with Jam:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is cozy and indulgent with every bite.
Red Pepper Rigatoni: A Creamy, Bold Pasta Delight brings a slightly smoky edge to your dinner plate.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is meaty, cheesy, and pure comfort.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta saves you on dishes but never skimps on flavor.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo Recipe is a close cousin to this recipe with a saucier twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it when the craving hits.

And if you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! Did you turn up the heat or go easy on the spice? Swap the steak for shrimp? Drop your variations, questions, or just let me know how it turned out.

You can also find daily recipes and dinner inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest. Come join the food-loving fun!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

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

Print Recipe

Description

Tender, buttery steak bites seared to perfection and tossed with creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce and twirly rotini pasta. This dish combines heat, comfort, and flavor in one irresistible bowl. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.

Instructions

1. Pat the steak dry, cut into bite-sized cubes, and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Let it rest at room temperature.

2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

3. In a hot cast iron skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter with olive oil and sear the steak in batches until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the skillet and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in the cream, stir in Cajun seasoning and Parmesan, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return steak to skillet, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and parsley. Serve hot.