Garlic Butter Steak with Cajun Pasta (Print version)

Juicy garlic butter steak bites tossed with creamy Cajun Parmesan pasta for a bold, cozy skillet dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the steak

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cajun pasta

09 - 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
10 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
11 - 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
14 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed
15 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini or fusilli until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Pat the steak cubes dry. Toss with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak in a single layer for 2-3 minutes total, turning to brown all sides. Work in batches if needed, then transfer to a plate.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown deeply.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until smooth.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss well. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until glossy. Fold in the steak and plate juices, warm for 1 minute, then garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

# Good to know:

01 - Use less Cajun seasoning at first if your blend is salty.
02 - Best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the steak is tender.
03 - Cut steak into even pieces so the bites cook at the same pace.

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