Description
This Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips is a delightful experience that harmonizes flavors and textures beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
- 225g spaghetti
- 300g beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once the water reaches a boil, add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it achieves an al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Once done, drain the spaghetti, reserving half a cup of the starchy pasta water, which can help in adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- While your pasta cooks, take the beef strips and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. This will infuse the meat with flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. Allow the seasoned beef to sit while the spaghetti finishes cooking, letting the spices penetrate the meat.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned beef strips, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully browned. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant but not burnt. Incorporate the remaining Cajun seasoning into the garlic, stirring it to release its pungent flavors.
- Pour in the heavy cream, mixing it well into the garlic and butter mixture. Allow this to simmer for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes luxurious in texture.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir continuously. The cheese will melt and enrich the cream sauce, giving it a creamy and cheesy quality. Aim for a smooth consistency without lumps, adjusting with pasta water if necessary to ensure it coats the spaghetti nicely.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until each strand is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, use a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it, creating a delightful, silky texture.
- Finally, return the previously seared beef strips to the pan. Either slice them and lay them atop the pasta or mix them in to combine all the flavors together. Allow it to warm through for an additional minute on low heat—this ensures the beef is reheated without overcooking.
- To serve, garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan, if desired. The vibrant green from the parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the dish.
Notes
You can prepare this dish in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 30 g