Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4

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Why This Dish Works

This recipe combines two powerhouses: buttery, seared steak bites with garlicky richness, and a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce wrapped around twisted pasta (like fusilli or rotini). The contrast of textures—tender steak and al dente pasta—and the blend of bold spices with velvety cream creates a dish that hits every craving: savory, spicy, rich, and deeply satisfying.

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Ingredients

For the steak bites:

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-size cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Cajun Alfredo pasta:

• 10 ounces twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi work well)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak Bites

1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels (this helps them sear well).
2. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. When the oil is hot, add steak cubes in a single layer (do this in batches if needed).
5. Sear on each side for 1–2 minutes until browned but still tender inside.
6. Once all steak bites are cooked, reduce heat to medium.
7. Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir until butter melts and garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute).
8. Return steak bites to the pan, toss to coat in garlic butter, then remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

1. In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Once cheese is melted and sauce is smooth, add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
8. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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To Serve

• Spoon the Cajun Alfredo pasta into bowls or onto plates.
• Top with garlic butter steak bites and spoon extra pan sauce over the top.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
• Serve hot.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the steak. Sear quickly over high heat and let it rest for tenderness.
• Taste the Cajun seasoning. Some store-bought blends are salty—start with less and adjust.
• Use good-quality cream and cheese. It makes a big difference in the final sauce.
• Reserve the pasta water. It’s starchy and helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

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Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

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This dish delivers everything you want in a date-night or comfort-food dinner: richness, spice, texture, and flavor—all in under an hour.