Savory Cajun Garlic Butter Beef with Rigatoni Alfredo

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Description:

This dish features tender beef strips seasoned with zesty Cajun spices and sautéed in garlic butter, served over al dente rigatoni tossed in a luscious Alfredo sauce. The marriage of spicy, garlicky beef and creamy pasta makes this meal a delicious indulgence ideal for cozy dinners or entertaining friends.

Origin:

Combining the bold, spicy flair of Cajun cooking from Louisiana with the creamy Italian Alfredo tradition, this fusion dish brings exciting layers of flavor to your dinner table.

Ingredients (Quantity):

For the Cajun Garlic Butter Beef:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Rigatoni Alfredo:

  • 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

  • ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
  • ½ cup chopped spinach or kale
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat
  • Lemon zest for brightness

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:

Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

2. Prepare Cajun Garlic Butter Beef:

  • Toss beef slices with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add beef and cook quickly, about 3–4 minutes, until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.

3. Make Alfredo Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens (~3–4 minutes).
  • Season with salt and pepper.

4. Combine:

  • Add rigatoni to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  • Return beef to the pan and mix gently to combine and heat through.

5. Serve:

  • Plate the pasta and beef, garnish with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes.

Tips for Success:

  • Slice beef thinly across the grain for tenderness.
  • Avoid overcooking beef to keep it juicy.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.

Recommendation:

Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or a chilled lager.

Nutrition (Per serving, 4 servings):

  • Calories: ~670
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Carbs: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Would you like a lighter cream sauce, a spicy shrimp version, or a gluten-free pasta alternative?

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