Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips
A twirl-worthy bowl of creamy, Cajun‑spiced comfort! Tender beef strips sear to a caramelized crust, then mingle with silky garlic‑butter sauce that clings to every ribbon of linguine. This weeknight‑friendly pasta is bold yet balanced—rich, savory, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for easy dinner plans, quick comfort food cravings, or when you need crowd‑pleasing dinner ideas fast. If you love easy recipes, quick meals, and satisfying food ideas for busy nights, this creamy Cajun pasta will be your new go‑to.
Equipment
- Large pot
- 12-inch skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb sirloin beef, cut into thin strips
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach, lightly packed
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta cooking water, as needed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, optional
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Bring Water to a Boil: Salt a large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Season the Beef: Pat beef dry and toss with 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear to Caramelize: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear beef in two batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the Garlic‑Butter Base: Reduce heat to medium; add butter, then garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and remaining 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (and red pepper flakes if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes, then melt in Parmesan.
- Add Greens & Pasta: Wilt in spinach. Add linguine and toss, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water as needed.
- Finish & Serve: Return beef and juices to the pan, add lemon juice if desired, adjust seasoning, and serve with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. To reheat leftovers, add a splash of warm water, broth, or cream to bring the sauce back to silky.
Nutrition
Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 38gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 980mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 4.5mg
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