Cajun steak is one of those meals that hits you with bold flavor right away. You get smoky heat from the seasoning, juicy steak bites with a golden crust, and then that creamy Parmesan sauce wraps around everything like it was meant to be there all along. Add rigatoni that catches every drop of that sauce and suddenly you have a dinner that feels restaurant worthy without ever leaving your kitchen.
If you have ever craved a steakhouse style pasta but did not want to pay steakhouse prices, this recipe delivers. It is rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull off on a weeknight. We are talking about perfectly seared steak tips tossed into a creamy, spicy pasta sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.
Let me show you how to make tender Cajun style steak bites coated in a cheesy Parmesan sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Cajun Steak: What Makes It So Bold and Flavorful
This dish gets its bold personality from Cajun seasoning, a vibrant blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and dried herbs. When that spice mixture hits a hot skillet with beef, everything transforms. The surface develops a deep golden crust, the spices toast beautifully, and you’re left with that smoky, gently spicy finish that makes Southern style steak so crave worthy.
In this creamy pasta recipe, the seasoning works in two layers. It coats the tender steak bites and also melts into the Parmesan cream sauce, adding warmth and depth throughout. The result is balanced flavor. You taste the heat, but it never overpowers the rich, velvety sauce.
Here is why this spice rubbed steak pairs so well with pasta:
Juicy steak tips soak up the seasoning while staying tender inside
The creamy Parmesan sauce softens the spice without muting it
Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli capture the sauce in every ridge and curve
The finished dish delivers comfort food vibes with a bold Southern twist
If you love spicy steak pasta, garlic butter beef with Cajun spices, or creamy dinners with a bit of kick, this recipe will quickly earn a regular spot on your table.
Cajun Steak: Choosing the Best Cut for Tender Steak Tips
Great Cajun style steak starts with the right cut of beef. Since we are making seasoned steak tips or spicy steak bites, you want something that cooks quickly and stays tender inside.
Excellent options for this recipe include:
Sirloin steak tips that are budget friendly and full of beefy flavor
Ribeye tips with extra marbling for added juiciness
Tenderloin pieces if you are going for a softer, special occasion texture
For the best results:
Cut the beef into evenly sized, bite sized cubes so everything cooks at the same speed
Pat the meat dry before adding the spice blend to help it brown properly
Season generously, but check your Cajun seasoning for salt before adding extra
When searing the steak in a hot skillet, resist the urge to stir it constantly. Let the pieces sit undisturbed for a minute or two so a rich crust can develop. That caramelized surface is where the bold flavor really builds.
Cajun Steak: Ingredients for the Ultimate Creamy Pasta
Cajun Steak in creamy Parmesan rigatoni uses simple ingredients that work together beautifully. You do not need anything complicated to create this comfort food dinner.
Here is what you will need:
One pound steak tips such as sirloin or ribeye
Ten ounces rigatoni pasta
One cup heavy cream
Three quarters cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Half cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina for extra melt if desired
One to one and a half tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Two cloves garlic minced
Two tablespoons butter
One tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Half cup reserved pasta water
Each ingredient plays a role. The heavy cream forms the base of the creamy Cajun steak sauce. The Parmesan thickens it and adds sharp flavor. The Cajun seasoning ties the steak and pasta together into one cohesive dish.
If you enjoy creamy pasta dinners, you might also like the easy chicken Alfredo which uses a similar Parmesan cream base in a different way.
Cajun Steak: How to Sear Perfect Cajun Steak Tips
Cajun Steak needs a good sear to lock in flavor. This step is where your kitchen starts to smell incredible.
Start by tossing your steak cubes with Cajun seasoning. Heat a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Once hot, place the Cajun steak tips in a single layer.
Let them cook undisturbed for a minute or two. Flip and continue cooking until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. For tender Cajun steak bites, aim for medium or medium rare.
Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Do not wipe out the pan. Those browned bits at the bottom are pure flavor and will enrich your creamy Cajun steak sauce.
Cajun Steak: Building the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Cajun Steak meets its creamy partner in the same skillet.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and gently scrape the bottom of the pan to lift the browned bits.
Let the cream simmer softly until slightly thickened. Then add the Parmesan gradually, stirring constantly so it melts smoothly. If you are using mozzarella or Fontina, stir it in now for extra cheesiness.
Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. You now have a creamy Cajun pasta sauce that is rich, savory, and slightly spicy.
Meanwhile, cook your rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water. Finally, fold the Cajun steak tips back into the skillet and gently mix everything together.
This is where Cajun steak and pasta become one irresistible skillet dinner.
If bold Cajun flavors are your thing, you might also enjoy the creamy Cajun sausage pasta for another one pot comfort dinner idea.
Cajun Steak: Serving Ideas for a Complete Dinner
Cajun Steak pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides can round out the meal beautifully.
Serve your Cajun steak and pasta with:
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or zucchini
Soft homemade rolls like the old fashioned yeast rolls
If you are looking for another steak dinner for later in the week, a lighter grilled steak bowl with creamy herb sauce makes a great follow up to this creamy Cajun steak.
Cajun Steak: Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips
Cajun Steak leftovers are just as delicious the next day if handled properly.
To store:
Let the Cajun steak pasta cool completely
Transfer to an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to three days
To reheat:
Place in a skillet over low heat
Add a splash of cream or milk
Stir gently until warmed through
Freezing is not ideal for this creamy Cajun steak dish because dairy based sauces can separate after thawing.
For meal prep, you can cook the Cajun steak and sauce a day ahead and store separately from freshly cooked pasta. Combine and heat just before serving for the best texture.
Cajun Steak: Frequently Asked Questions
Cajun Steak can be adjusted to fit your preferences. Here are a few common questions.
Yes. Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and add more gradually. You can always increase heat but you cannot take it away.
Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or shells work well for creamy Cajun steak pasta because they hold onto sauce.
Mushrooms, onions, spinach, and bell peppers are all excellent additions. You can sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni That Taste Like a Steakhouse Dinner
Description
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni is a bold, steakhouse style dinner made with tender Cajun seasoned steak bites, creamy Parmesan sauce, and rigatoni that holds every drop of flavor. Rich, comforting, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips such as sirloin or ribeye
- 10 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina optional
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Pat steak tips dry and toss with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add steak tips in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to preferred doneness.
- Remove steak from skillet and set aside. Do not wipe the pan.
- Lower heat to medium and add remaining butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and scrape browned bits from the pan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese and mozzarella if using until smooth and creamy.
- Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Return Cajun steak tips to the skillet and gently mix. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use sirloin for an affordable option or ribeye for extra richness. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating leftovers to restore the sauce.
Cajun Steak in creamy Parmesan rigatoni is bold, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite. With tender Cajun steak tips, a rich cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings together everything you want in a weeknight dinner. Once you make this Cajun steak recipe, do not be surprised if it lands in your regular rotation.
For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page at virlerecipes. Happy cooking!