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One-Pan Cajun Steak Pasta

A delightful blend of Creole flavors and hearty pasta, this One-Pan Cajun Steak Pasta features smoky paprika, savory garlic, and creamy cheddar cheese, all combined for a wonderfully rich dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Steak Marinade
  • 500 g beef steak, cut into strips Opt for high-quality beef for best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
Pasta and Sauce
  • 300 g rotini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with plant-based alternative.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use freshly grated for better texture.
  • 2 tbsp butter Divided use: 1 tbsp for sauce preparation.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes For a spicy version, adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish For presentation.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, mix the steak strips with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. Ensure the beef is thoroughly coated.
  2. Boil the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente, adding a pinch of salt to the water.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook until browned to your liking.
  2. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Avoid overcooking.
  3. Add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, but do not let it boil.
Combination
  1. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the Cajun cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
  2. Plate the pasta and arrange the steak pieces on top, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For meal prep ease, consider preparing ingredients the night before. To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth.