1-Creating Garlic Butter Steak Cajun Pasta starts with gathering your ingredients and following these clear steps for the best results. Begin by cooking the pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the type. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as it helps blend the sauce smoothly later.

2-Next, pat the 1.5 pounds of sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels to get a great sear, then season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak in batches for 3 to 4 minutes to reach medium-rare or medium doneness, avoiding overcrowding the pan. For more tips on searing steak, check out this guide to cooking steak on the stovetop.

3-Once the steak is done, lower the heat to medium, add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, and melt it. Sauté the 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stir in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, then add the pasta and toss to coat, using the reserved pasta water if needed.

4-Folding in the Steak and Serving: Gently fold the seared steak bites back into the sauce with the pasta, warming everything through for 1 to 2 minutes without overcooking. This step keeps the steak tender and juicy. Serve right away, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.