Description
This indulgent Cajun Garlic Butter Linguine features tender, thinly sliced beef strips seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce seasoned with Cajun spices. Combining linguine pasta with a luscious sauce made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Linguine Pasta (Substitute with fettuccine or pappardelle if unavailable)
Beef
- 1 lb Flank Steak or Sirloin Steak (Tender cuts sliced thinly for quick cooking)
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Used to sear the beef)
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Adjust to taste for desired heat level)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter (Creates a rich and silky sauce base)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced garlic contributes depth and aroma)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Provides body to the sauce)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Offers salty umami to finish the dish)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Enhances flavor and adds a bright, herbal touch)
Instructions
- Boil the Linguine: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Steak: Slice the flank or sirloin steak thinly against the grain. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the meat, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a large skillet over high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the seasoned beef strips and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter, scraping up any browned bits. Allow it to melt completely.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Toss in the Linguine: Add drained linguine into the skillet with the sauce. Toss vigorously to coat evenly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring to incorporate fully into the sauce.
- Add the Beef and Parsley: Return the seared beef to the skillet with pasta and sauce. Toss gently with chopped parsley for freshness.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with additional parsley and Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced flank or sirloin steak for quick and even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor better than pre-grated.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best consistency.
