Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter: 1 Perfect Recipe

3 de September de 2025

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Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter spaghetti with beef strips has completely changed my weeknight dinners! I used to think making something this rich and restaurant-worthy at home was impossible, but this recipe is a game-changer. The aroma of garlic and spices filling my kitchen as this Cajun garlic butter recipe comes together is just heavenly. Tender beef strips coated in a luscious, slightly spicy sauce clinging to perfectly cooked spaghetti – it’s pure comfort food. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone you cook for!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter

Incredibly quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.

Rich, decadent sauce that tastes like restaurant-quality.
The perfect balance of spicy, garlicky, and creamy flavors.
Versatile – easily swap beef for chicken or shrimp.

This Cajun garlic butter recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Minimal cleanup with most of the cooking done in one skillet.
It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that feels indulgent.

The sauce is so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Pasta

Gathering these few simple ingredients is all it takes to create this amazing Cajun garlic butter pasta dish. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese are key to achieving that velvety smooth sauce, while the Cajun seasoning brings its signature spicy kick. Don’t worry if you don’t have Cajun seasoning; a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano works wonderfully as a substitute. For more information on creating your own spice blends, check out this guide on Cajun seasoning recipes.

1 pound spaghetti – or your favorite pasta shape

1.5 pounds beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into thin strips – for that savory, tender bite
4 tablespoons butter – divided, for sautéing and building flavor
6 cloves garlic, minced – the heart of our garlic butter sauce

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – adjust to your spice preference for that classic flavor
1.5 cups heavy cream – creates the luxurious, creamy base
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, cheesy depth

Salt and black pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) – for a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti

This recipe for Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter spaghetti is surprisingly straightforward, bringing a restaurant-quality meal right into your kitchen. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prep the Beef

First, get your pasta going. Cook 1 pound spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before you drain it, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water – this starchy liquid is gold for adjusting your sauce later! While the pasta bubbles away, season your 1.5 pounds beef sirloin or ribeye strips generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step really lets the beef’s flavor shine through.
Step 2: Sear the Beef

Grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your seasoned beef strips. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle! Sear the beef until it’s beautifully browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure a good sear. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step locks in all those delicious juices.

Beef strips being seared in a hot skillet for Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter pasta

Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the skillet’s heat slightly to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma – be careful not to let it burn! Now, stir in the 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds, letting those spices bloom. Pour in the 1.5 cups heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken into a luscious consistency. Finally, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This makes for an incredible Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Finish

Now for the best part! Add the drained spaghetti and the seared beef strips back into the skillet with the glorious Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and beef are completely coated. If the sauce seems a bit too thick for your liking, don’t worry! Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it reaches your desired consistency. Give it a final taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve this amazing Garlic Butter Cajun Pasta immediately, perhaps garnished with some fresh parsley for a touch of green.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter

Elevating this Cajun Garlic Butter Recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable is all about a few simple tricks I’ve picked up. These tips will ensure your sauce is always perfectly creamy and bursting with flavor!

Don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it’s your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
Ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet to prevent curdling.

For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting your Cajun seasoning lightly in the butter before adding the cream.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. The Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so season cautiously.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter sauce?

The magic lies in creating a proper panade with the cream and Parmesan. Gently simmering the cream until it thickens slightly and then slowly incorporating the cheese, stirring constantly, ensures that smooth, luscious texture for your Spicy Creamy Cajun Butter.

Can I make Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce base (steps 3 and part of 4) a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if needed, before tossing with the cooked pasta and beef. This is a great way to save time, similar to how you might prepare components for other weeknight dinner recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter?

Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Also, be careful not to boil the sauce vigorously once the cream and cheese are added, as this can cause it to break or become grainy. Gentle heat is key!

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Pasta

This delicious Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter pasta is a star on its own, but it truly shines with a few thoughtful pairings. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a simple crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes cut through the richness of the sauce beautifully. Another fantastic option is some crusty garlic bread; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce! If you’re looking for a vegetable side, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus are wonderful choices that complement the spicy Cajun flavors without overpowering them. This versatile dish is also fantastic as a base for grilled chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce. This recipe is wonderfully rich and satisfying, making it a perfect hearty meal!

Calories: 650 kcal
Fat: 40 g

Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 1 g

Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult resources on recipe nutrition calculation.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter

Leftovers of this amazing Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter spaghetti are a true gift! Once your delicious meal has cooled down completely, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. For the best quality, I like to use glass containers, but any airtight option will do. You can keep these leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this dish also freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your Cajun butter pasta sauce again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if it seems a bit thick, and stir until heated through. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, until hot.

A plate of Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter pasta garnished with parsley

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter

Can I make Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter spaghetti vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this a vegetarian delight, simply omit the beef strips and focus on the pasta and sauce. You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some hearty chickpeas to the sauce for extra texture and flavor. This way, you still get all the amazing Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe goodness without the meat.

What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use for this Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter?

You can use any store-bought Cajun seasoning blend you love! Brands like Tony Chachere’s, Slap Ya Mama, or Zatarain’s are popular choices and will give you that authentic spicy kick. If you prefer a milder heat, look for a “mild” Cajun blend or reduce the amount slightly. Making your own blend is also an option if you want to control the spice level perfectly for your Spicy Creamy Cajun Butter.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner for my Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter?

If your Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter sauce is too thin, you can simmer it gently for a few more minutes, uncovered, to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce. Another trick is to create a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. For a thinner sauce, simply add a little more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add other proteins to this Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter recipe?

Yes, this Cajun garlic butter recipe is incredibly versatile! Shrimp cooks very quickly, so you’d add it to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and cook just until pink and opaque. For chicken, you can dice chicken breast or thighs and sear them similarly to the beef, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s a fantastic base for many proteins, like in this creamy spinach mushroom shrimp dish.

Variations of Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter You Can Try

This versatile Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful base for so many delicious variations! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Seafood Lover’s Dream: Swap the beef for succulent shrimp or chunks of firm white fish. Add shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking the sauce until they turn pink. This creates a delightful Cajun butter sauce for seafood.

Spicy Kick Upgrade: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic. For an extra fiery flavor, try using a hotter Cajun seasoning blend, transforming it into a truly Spicy Creamy Cajun Butter.
Chicken or Steakhouse Style: Replace the beef strips with pan-seared chicken breast pieces or thinly sliced steak for a different protein experience. This Creamy Cajun Butter Chicken recipe is a weeknight winner, and it also pairs beautifully with steak as a rich sauce.
Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian option, sauté your favorite vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms until tender-crisp, then add them to the sauce. This makes for a hearty and flavorful meat-free meal.