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Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips

Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips
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This easy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips recipe combines rich buttery garlic flavors with bold, spicy Cajun seasoning, tender beef strips, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a quick, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish offers a comforting yet exciting twist on classic garlic butter pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti (regular or gluten-free)

Beef and Protein

  • 12 oz beef strips (such as sirloin or flank steak)

Butter and Oils

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings and Flavorings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Beef Strips: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef strips with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning. Sear the beef strips in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t brown. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and stir to combine.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve a silky, saucy texture.
  5. Add Beef and Finish: Add the seared beef strips back to the pan, stirring gently to incorporate. Cook together for another minute to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Choose tender beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for best results.
  • Do not overcook the beef strips; sear until just done for juiciness.
  • Toast Cajun seasoning briefly in butter to release its aroma.
  • Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
  • Leftovers can be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with added water or broth to avoid drying beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, garlic butter spaghetti, beef strips, quick dinner, spicy pasta, weeknight meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/cajun-garlic-butter-spaghetti-with-beef-strips/