Are you ready for a dinner that truly excites the taste buds? Look no further than this incredible recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta! This dish is a powerhouse of flavor, combining juicy, perfectly seared steak smothered in aromatic garlic butter with a creamy, zesty Cajun Alfredo sauce, all tossed with your favorite twisted pasta. It's comfort food with a gourmet twist, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal any night of the week.
Forget complicated recipes and predictable dinners. This dish delivers on both indulgence and ease, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. The tender steak, infused with savory garlic, pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy kick of the Alfredo, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Steak & Cajun Alfredo Pasta Will Be Your New Favorite
- Explosion of Flavor: The combination of tender steak, garlic butter, and spicy Cajun Alfredo is simply irresistible.
- Surprisingly Simple: Despite its impressive taste, this recipe comes together quicker than you'd expect, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Perfectly Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to match your preference, from a gentle warmth to a fiery kick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike, offering a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Feast
Crafting this masterpiece requires a few key components to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
For the Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites:
- Sirloin, Ribeye, or New York Strip Steak: Approximately 1.5 lbs, cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. These cuts offer the best tenderness and flavor for quick searing.
- Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter: A combination for perfect searing and rich flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced for that fragrant, savory butter.
- Basic Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the steak's natural taste.
For the Creamy, Spicy Cajun Alfredo:
- Twisted Pasta: 1 lb (rotini, fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work beautifully as they capture the sauce).
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation for your creamy sauce.
- Yellow Onion & Fresh Garlic: Aromatics that build the sauce's depth.
- Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth: For the luscious, smooth Alfredo base.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is crucial for the best texture and flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning: The star spice that provides the signature zesty kick. Adjust to your heat preference!
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For an extra layer of heat if you dare!
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, ensuring every layer is perfectly seasoned.
For the Garnish:
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a vibrant finish.
- Extra Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Let's get cooking! Follow these clear instructions to create your new favorite dinner.
First, if you're looking to master classic sauces, don't miss our guide on The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes) for more creamy sauce inspiration!
Preparing the Steak Bites
- Step 1: Begin by cooking your chosen twisted pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – it's your secret weapon for a perfect sauce consistency!
- Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, thoroughly pat your steak pieces dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear. Season the dried steak bites evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonders here) over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the hot oil.
- Step 4: Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned steak bites to the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, until a delicious golden-brown crust forms.
- Step 5: With the final batch of steak, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, stirring it around the steak. Remove all steak bites from the skillet and transfer them to a plate, tenting them loosely with foil to keep warm and allow the juices to redistribute.
Crafting the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- Step 6: In the same skillet (no need to clean it – those browned bits are flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced half yellow onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 7: Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the softened onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 8: Pour in the 1.5 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Step 9: Stir in the 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and the optional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you desire extra heat). Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Step 10: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually stir in the half cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it's completely smooth and fully incorporated into the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Bringing It All Together
- Step 11: Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the Cajun Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is beautifully coated.
- Step 12: Gently fold the reserved garlic butter steak bites into the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Step 13: Serve your magnificent Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the steak and Parmesan, will truly elevate this dish.
- Don't Overcook the Steak: Steak bites cook quickly. Watch them closely to avoid tough meat.
- Freshly Grate Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into a velvety sauce.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
For efficient and precise dicing of your steak and vegetables, a quality chef's knife is an invaluable kitchen tool. It makes prep work much smoother and safer!
Looking for other satisfying dinner ideas? You might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe for another hearty meal option.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is robust and complete on its own, but you can always add a simple side to round out the meal:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Crusty garlic bread or warm rolls to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a touch of freshness.
We hope you love this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta as much as we do. It’s a dish that promises big flavor and leaves a lasting impression. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What type of steak is best for steak bites?
For tender and flavorful steak bites, sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steaks are excellent choices. They cook quickly and develop a great crust when seared.
How can I make the Cajun Alfredo sauce less spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply use less Cajun seasoning and omit the optional cayenne pepper. You can always add a little more to taste if you decide you want more kick.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and store it in the refrigerator. The Alfredo sauce can also be made a day in advance and gently reheated, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much. It's best to cook the steak bites fresh just before serving for optimal tenderness.
What are good alternatives if I don't have twisted pasta?
Any pasta shape that can hold rich sauces well will work. Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even linguine are great substitutes if you don't have twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Indulge in succulent garlic butter steak bites paired with a creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce and twisted pasta for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced (for steak)
1/2 tsp salt (for steak)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for steak)
1/4 tsp paprika (for steak)
1 lb twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste (for sauce)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, pat steak bites thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tbsp butter.
Step 4: Sear steak bites in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, until a nice crust forms.
Step 5: Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic (4 cloves) to the skillet with the last batch of steak. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove steak bites from skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil.
Step 6: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 8: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Step 9: Stir in Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper (if using). Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 10: Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and fully incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 11: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 12: Gently fold the cooked garlic butter steak bites into the pasta.
Step 13: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Ensure steak bites are patted very dry for the best sear. Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne to your preferred level of spice. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for the smoothest sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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