Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter has quickly become my go-to for a weeknight meal that feels incredibly special. I first tried making this dish after a friend raved about it, and honestly, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating – that rich garlic and butter mingling with the smoky Cajun spice. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. This particular Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Recipe, especially when served over a bed of creamy, cheesy rigatoni, is pure comfort. You’re going to absolutely love the simplicity and the explosion of flavor in every bite of this Cheesy Cajun Rigatoni. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter
This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to add it to your regular rotation!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning, rich garlic butter, and creamy cheese creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
- Quick Prep & Cook Time: You can have this restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: While it tastes gourmet, this recipe uses accessible ingredients, making it a much more affordable option than dining out.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will be drawn in by the cheesy goodness and savory steak. The Garlic Butter Steak with Cajun Seasoning is a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: It’s hearty enough for a main course but also works beautifully as a decadent side dish.
- Easy to Master: This Garlic Butter Steak with Cajun Seasoning is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks.
- Comfort Food Bliss: It’s the ultimate comfort food, delivering warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients for Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak
Gathering these simple yet impactful Cajun garlic butter steak ingredients is the first step to an unforgettable meal. The quality of your steak and the freshness of your aromatics really shine through here.
- 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak – choose a well-marbled cut for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – this blend is key for that signature spicy and savory kick.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – divided, for searing the steak and creating the luscious sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic depth.
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta – its ridges are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the steak at a high temperature.
- 1 cup heavy cream – the base of our rich, decadent sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – provides that essential gooey, cheesy texture.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty complexity to the sauce.
- Salt, to taste – to enhance all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste – freshly ground is always best.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional) – for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter
This Cajun butter steak recipe easy to follow, and I promise, the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy. Let’s get this deliciousness going!
- Step 1: First things first, pat your steak completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear! Season both sides generously with your 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes to come up to temperature.
- Step 2: While the steak rests, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 12 ounces rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, carefully reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for our sauce! Drain the rest of the pasta.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place your seasoned steak in the hot skillet. Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until a beautiful brown crust forms. Lower the heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts and becomes fragrant, spoon it over the steak continuously for the last minute of cooking.
- Step 4: Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is vital for juicy steak!
- Step 5: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine it with the flavorful bits left in the pan. This is where the magic starts to happen for our sauce.
- Step 6: Gradually add the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and the ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking constantly until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 7: Toss the drained rigatoni directly into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is coated beautifully. This step makes the Cajun garlic butter steak recipe easy to serve family-style.
- Step 8: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain.
- Step 9: Plate the creamy rigatoni, then top it with the sliced steak. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra cheese if you like. Enjoy this amazing Cajun butter steak recipe easy to prepare!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter
Want to elevate your Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference.
- Don’t skip resting the steak! It’s the most important step for a tender, juicy result.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan after searing the steak, before adding the cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated versions often have anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your personal spice preference. Some blends are spicier than others!
What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter?
The real secret lies in building flavor layers. Properly searing the steak, using fresh garlic, and creating a rich, emulsified Cheesy Cajun Butter Sauce with the pan drippings and good quality cheese are key. Don’t rush these steps!
Can I make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead, like seasoning the steak and mincing the garlic. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend cooking the pasta and making the sauce just before serving. The sauce can be made a day ahead and gently reheated.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter?
A common pitfall is overcooking the steak – always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Also, avoid boiling the sauce rapidly once the cheese is added, as it can cause it to break. Gentle simmering is best. For more tips on cooking steak, check out this guide on how to cook steak.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter
This dish is so versatile, it’s practically begging to be paired with something delicious. My favorite way to enjoy it is exactly as the recipe describes: with the accompanying Creamy Cajun garlic butter pasta. The rich, cheesy rigatoni is the perfect vehicle for that incredible steak and sauce.
If you’re looking for a lighter side, consider serving the steak and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or even a creamy polenta. For a complete meal with a fresh element, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli would be fantastic. Whichever way you choose, the bold flavors of this Cajun classic will shine.
Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter
This decadent dish offers a robust flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of this delicious Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter.
- Calories: 820 kcal
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of steak and Cajun seasoning blend.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter
Leftovers of this amazing Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter are a treat you’ll want to save! Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any remaining steak and pasta into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. The key to reheating is gentle heat to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce.
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and steak mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the Cheesy garlic butter steak sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate. For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our Spicy Cajun Honey Butter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter
What is Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter?
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter refers to a rich and flavorful sauce or dish where garlic butter is infused with Cajun spices and often combined with cheese, typically served with steak or pasta. It delivers a comforting, slightly spicy, and deeply savory experience that’s a favorite for many home cooks looking for a quick yet impressive meal.
Why use Cajun seasoning in garlic butter?
Using Cajun seasoning in garlic butter adds an incredible depth of flavor and a pleasant warmth that complements the richness of the butter and garlic beautifully. The blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs creates a complex spicy, savory, and slightly smoky profile that transforms a simple garlic butter into something truly special and exciting. Learn more about the origins of Cajun cuisine.
Can I make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter with chicken or shrimp instead of steak?
Absolutely! This versatile sauce works wonderfully with other proteins. A Cajun garlic butter shrimp recipe is fantastic, as shrimp cook very quickly in the sauce. For chicken, you can pan-sear chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through and then smother them in the cheesy Cajun butter sauce. Both are delicious alternatives. You might also like our Shrimp Alfredo Recipe.
How do I make the sauce creamier if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is a bit too thin, don’t worry! You can easily thicken it by simmering it gently for a few more minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisking it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Variations of Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter You Can Try
While this steak and pasta dish is incredible, the core flavors of Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter are so versatile, you can adapt them in so many fun ways. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Cheesy Cajun Butter for Chicken: Instead of steak, pound out chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness, season them with Cajun spice, and pan-sear until golden brown and cooked through. Then, create the sauce and pour it over the chicken. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that’s just as satisfying. Try our Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken for another easy chicken dinner.
- Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe: For a quicker seafood option, try this with shrimp! Sauté the shrimp in the garlic butter until pink, remove them, and then make the sauce in the same pan. Toss cooked pasta or serve over rice for a delightful meal.
- Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak: If you love extra heat, bump up the cayenne pepper in your Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter as it melts. This variation really brings the fire!
- Lighter Version: For a slightly lighter take, you can use half-and-half or even milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry instead of heavy cream, and opt for a less fatty steak cut.
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter: Amazing 40 Min Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bold and comforting dish featuring tender, spice-rubbed steak smothered in garlic butter, served over rich, cheesy rigatoni. This restaurant-quality meal is made at home in under 40 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner or a weeknight comfort food fix.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side. Lower the heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter and garlic, and spoon the butter over the steak as it finishes.
- Remove steak from pan, tent with foil, and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and pour in heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan gradually, whisking until melted into a smooth sauce.
- Toss in cooked rigatoni, coating well. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain.
- Plate creamy rigatoni and top with sliced Cajun garlic butter steak. Garnish with fresh parsley and more cheese if desired.
Notes
- Always rest your steak before slicing—it keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce texture if needed.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, richest sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 820 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg