Bold, buttery steak with a spicy Cajun twist paired alongside creamy, luscious Parmesan fettuccine—this dish is a flavor-packed dream come true. Each bite of the seared steak delivers smoky heat and savory richness, while the silky pasta tames it with its indulgent, cheesy sauce. It’s a combination that feels restaurant-worthy, yet simple enough to recreate at home.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, treating yourself after a long week, or cooking up an impressive meal for guests, this recipe delivers big on both taste and presentation. It’s a guaranteed way to turn an ordinary evening into a deliciously memorable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Big, bold flavors: Cajun spices bring the heat, while the Parmesan pasta cools things down with creamy comfort.
Balanced indulgence: Perfectly seared steak meets buttery noodles for a satisfying harmony.
Surprisingly simple: You don’t need restaurant-level skills to pull this off at home.
Customizable heat: Dial the spice level up or down to suit your preference.
Versatile occasion dish: Works just as well for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party centerpiece.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting set up properly will ensure everything comes together smoothly and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan – Key to getting that irresistible crust and char on the steak.
Large Saucepan – For boiling the fettuccine pasta evenly without clumping.
Medium Saucepan or Deep Skillet – Perfect for making a silky smooth Parmesan cream sauce.
Tongs – For flipping the steak without piercing it and losing juices.
Microplane or Grater – To freshly grate Parmesan, which melts better than pre-shredded.
Meat Thermometer – Optional, but helpful for cooking steak to your preferred doneness.

Pro Tips:

Have your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
Rest your steak after cooking to lock in juices.
Always reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Ribeye or Sirloin Steak – The marbling in these cuts ensures juicy, tender results that hold up beautifully to Cajun seasoning.
Cajun Seasoning Blend – Adds smoky heat and flavor; make your own or use a trusted store-bought version.
Garlic Cloves – Enhances both the steak and pasta with an aromatic kick.
Unsalted Butter – Used in both the pan for searing and the creamy sauce; it adds richness and depth.
Fettuccine Pasta – Its wide, flat shape is ideal for holding onto that luxurious Parmesan sauce.
Heavy Cream – Forms the velvety base for the pasta sauce.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Melts smoothly and adds nutty, salty flavor to the sauce.
Parsley – Adds a bright, fresh finish.
Olive Oil – For searing the steak and sautéing aromatics.
Salt & Black Pepper – To balance and elevate all the flavors.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta

Step 1: Season & Sear the Steak

Pat your steak dry, then coat generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet until shimmering, then sear steak for 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness. Add butter and garlic in the last minute for a flavor boost. Rest steak before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Toss the fettuccine in the Parmesan sauce until well coated. Slice the rested steak and serve it alongside or over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve and Store This Bold Steak & Pasta Combo

Serve this dish hot and fresh off the stove for maximum flavor and texture. For presentation, arrange the sliced Cajun steak on one side of the plate with a generous portion of creamy pasta on the other. Sprinkle more parsley and Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

To store leftovers, keep the steak and pasta separate in airtight containers. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the meat or breaking the sauce. The pasta can be revived with a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

It depends on the blend, but typically it’s mildly to moderately spicy. You can reduce the amount or use a low-heat Cajun mix if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I use another cut of steak?

Absolutely! Flank steak, NY strip, or even filet mignon would all work well here. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works, though the sauce won’t be as rich. A mix of milk and cream cheese can also do the trick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The pasta sauce is best fresh, but you can cook the steak in advance and reheat it gently before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version?

You can substitute the steak with blackened tofu or portobello mushrooms and still keep that Cajun flavor profile.

Do I need to marinate the steak?

No marinade is necessary—the dry rub and high-heat sear give all the flavor you need.

Want More Pasta & Steak Dinner Ideas?

If this Spicy Cajun Steak with Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta got your tastebuds dancing, here are a few more dishes to bookmark next:

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a hearty and cheesy twist.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you’re craving that Cajun kick in a one-pan format.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for bold heat with a sweet twist.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for an easy handheld dinner alternative.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce when you’re craving golden crunch meets creamy comfort.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you turn up the spice? Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Check out more recipes from my kitchen on Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate Pinterest Board