If bold, creamy, and cheesy are your dinner love languages, this skillet meal is calling your name. This Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Juicy steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a smooth, Cajun-spiced cheese sauce all come together in one pan—no oven, no fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekend meals, or whenever you want something rich, filling, and wildly flavorful.
Ingredients
1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized cubes
8 oz rotini or your favorite short pasta
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 tsp chili powder
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sear the steak
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Build the sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and chili powder. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Melt in the cheese
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and completely melted.
Combine it all
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the cheesy sauce. Return the seared steak to the pan and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for a minute or two.
Serve it up
Serve hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra Cajun seasoning for a little extra heat.
Notes
- Cheese options: Sharp cheddar gives a classic creamy flavor, while pepper jack adds a nice kick. You can even use a combo of both!
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Prefer chicken or shrimp? Swap the steak for sliced chicken breast or peeled shrimp—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make it veggie-loaded: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Meal prep tip: This dish reheats well! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or bowties all work great in this dish. Use whatever short pasta you have on hand.
Is Cajun seasoning really spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more to taste. You can also use a low-sodium or mild Cajun blend.
What cut of steak is best?
Sirloin is budget-friendly and tender, ribeye is richer and juicier, and flank steak is lean but flavorful. Any of these work beautifully.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using unsweetened dairy-free cream and a plant-based shredded cheese alternative. Just note the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.