Description

Turn up the flavor on your dinner routine with this *Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight* — a bold and comforting fusion that’s perfect for quick weeknight meals, cozy dinner ideas, or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. This easy dinner recipe combines Cajun-spiced seared beef with tender rotini pasta, all coated in a luscious homemade creamy cheese sauce. It’s a complete meal packed with protein, spice, and silky comfort — ideal for quick dinners, indulgent food ideas, or even make-ahead lunch prep. It checks all the boxes: bold, creamy, hearty, and ready in under an hour!

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized chunks

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp butter (optional)

12 oz rotini pasta

Salt for pasta water

2 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups heavy cream

½ cup milk

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Extra Parmesan or shredded cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss beef with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate at room temp for 15–20 minutes.

2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Sear beef chunks in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Do in batches if needed. Set aside and optionally toss with butter.

3. Boil rotini in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

4. In a separate skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in flour. Whisk and cook for 1 minute.

5. Slowly pour in cream and milk, whisking constantly. Once thickened, add cheeses, Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

6. Add drained rotini to the sauce. Stir gently and simmer 1–2 minutes. Add pasta water as needed to thin.

7. Serve pasta topped with Cajun beef. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese. Enjoy hot!

Notes

Let beef rest for 5 minutes after searing to keep it juicy.

Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, richer sauce.

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1½ cups
Calories: 620
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, beef pasta, cajun recipe, easy dinner, food ideas, rotini recipe