Cajun Steak Tips with Spaghetti in Creamy Parmesan Cheddar-Cajun Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into thick steak-tip pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
14 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 oz cream cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. In a deep skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking gently. Reduce heat and slowly stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese until silky and smooth. Season with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Add spaghetti and toss until every strand is coated, loosening with pasta water if needed.
3. Pat steak tips dry. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Lower heat, add butter and the remaining garlic, and baste the steak for 1–2 minutes until coated in garlic butter.
4. Plate spaghetti coated in creamy Cajun cheese sauce on one side and pile steak tips on the other. Spoon garlic butter over the steak. Sprinkle parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~890 per serving