Description
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine with Tender Beef Strips Rigatoni! This easy dinner recipe is a delicious fusion of Southern spice and Italian indulgence. Juicy, pan-seared beef strips are tossed with linguine and rigatoni, all wrapped in a silky Cajun-spiced garlic butter cream sauce. Perfect for those looking for new dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, or quick meals that feel like restaurant-quality. Whether you’re in need of a hearty meal or creative food ideas for your next gathering, this pasta dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
4 oz linguine
4 oz rigatoni
1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
0.5 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Additional Parmesan cheese, for topping
Squeeze of lemon juice
1 tbsp scallions or chives, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring two large pots of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine and rigatoni separately until al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
2. Pat beef dry, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir and toast spices for 15 seconds.
4. Pour in heavy cream, whisking to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Add the cooked linguine and rigatoni to the sauce. Toss to coat. Return the beef to the pan and mix until everything is heated through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, lemon juice, or chives if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Pat the beef dry before searing to ensure a good crust forms.
Use both pasta shapes for the best texture contrast—but you can simplify with just one if needed.
Reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a silky finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ to 1½ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy dinner, quick pasta, beef pasta, cajun recipe, creamy linguine, spicy beef pasta, comfort food, food ideas