Cajun Butter Beef with Fettuccine Alfredo in Garlic Cream
This dish combines spicy, juicy Cajun-seared beef with silky, garlicky fettuccine Alfredo—a match made in comfort food heaven! The rich cream sauce balances the bold Cajun flavors for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Butter Beef:
-
1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak or ribeye, sliced into strips
-
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for heat preference)
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp salt
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
-
1 lemon (juiced, for brightness)
For the Fettuccine Alfredo in Garlic Cream:
-
12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
-
4 tbsp unsalted butter
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 ½ cups heavy cream
-
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (+ extra for garnish)
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
-
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
-
Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Cajun Butter Beef:
-
Season the beef: Toss steak strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add beef in a single layer and sear 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Return beef to the pan, toss in the butter, and finish with lemon juice and parsley.
3. Prepare the Garlic Alfredo Sauce:
-
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (~30 sec).
-
Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat.
-
Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
-
Toss in cooked fettuccine, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
4. Serve:
-
Plate the fettuccine Alfredo, top with Cajun butter beef, and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
🍷 Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio to balance the spice.
🥗 Side Dish: A simple Caesar salad or roasted asparagus.
🌶 Extra Heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Alfredo.
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Creamy & spicy—the perfect flavor contrast.
✔️ Restaurant-quality in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable—swap beef for shrimp or chicken!
Enjoy this luscious, bold dish! 🔥🧀🍝
Want a lighter Alfredo version or tips on perfect steak searing? Let me know!