Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

My son and husband have declared this their new favorite dinner. I said, “Good, it’s easy enough for you to make for us!” Juicy garlic butter steak bites served over creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta — an easy comfort-food dinner that feels restaurant-worthy!

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

• 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cajun Alfredo Pasta

• 12 oz twisted pasta, such as rotini or fusilli
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, to taste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella, optional
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Steak Bites

3. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the steak in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
6. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Toss the steak in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Cajun Alfredo

8. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
9. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
11. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
13. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
14. Add the cooked pasta and toss until completely coated in the Alfredo sauce. Stir in mozzarella if using.

Serve

15. Spoon the creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta onto plates or a serving platter.
16. Top with the garlic butter steak bites.
17. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or Cajun seasoning if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy!