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Creamy Cajun Alfredo Steak Bites in 30 Minutes

Creamy Cajun Alfredo Steak Bites - featured image
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A quick and indulgent weeknight meal featuring tender sirloin steak bites and a creamy Cajun-spiked Alfredo sauce over pasta, ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine or penne and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta.
  2. Prep the Steak: While the pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Sear the Steak Bites: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the steak cubes in a single layer (work in two batches if needed). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Add 2 tbsp butter and the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking, swirling the pan to coat the steak. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the steak to a plate. Do not wipe the pan clean.
  4. Start the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add the Cheese and Spices: Whisk in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Stir in 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Taste and adjust salt.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to loosen it up.
  7. Finish with the Steak: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Gently toss to combine, letting the steak warm through for about 1 minute.
  8. Serve Immediately: Divide the pasta and steak between plates. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

Pat steak dry for best sear. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce. Work in batches when searing steak to avoid crowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun Alfredo, steak bites, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, sirloin steak, Cajun seasoning

Find it online: https://larameals.com/creamy-cajun-alfredo-steak-bites-in-30-minutes/