Tanya Rivers
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a restaurant meal right at home, this Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight is the answer. Tender, juicy beef bites are seared to perfection and coated in a luscious, spiced cream sauce that clings to every twist of rotini pasta. The Cajun seasoning adds a bold, smoky kick that keeps every bite exciting.
What makes this dish truly irresistible is the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy pasta and the rich depth of well-seasoned beef. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a weekend dinner with friends. Serve it with a side of sautéed peppers or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a full meal that’s both easy and unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight
This dish is everything you want in a comfort meal: rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The Cajun seasoning gives it a slight kick without being overly spicy, making it family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Plus, it comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with simple sides. It’s the kind of recipe that makes both weeknight cooking and entertaining feel effortless.
What Cut of Beef Works Best for This Recipe?
For the most tender and flavorful results, go for sirloin steak, beef tenderloin, or ribeye cut into bite-sized pieces. These cuts sear well and stay juicy in the creamy Cajun sauce. Avoid tougher cuts like stew beef unless you plan to slow-cook them first. Fresh, high-quality beef is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight
Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this pasta irresistible.
- Rotini Pasta – The twists of rotini perfectly hold the creamy Cajun sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Beef (Sirloin, Tenderloin, or Ribeye) – Tender, juicy cuts sear beautifully and soak up the spiced cream sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning – The heart of the recipe, adding warmth and a smoky-spicy profile to the dish.
- Heavy Cream – Provides that silky, rich sauce base that ties everything together.
- Garlic and Onion – Aromatic essentials that deepen the flavor of the sauce.
- Butter – Helps the beef sear and enriches the cream sauce with a buttery finish.
- Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the cream sauce for a nutty, cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
How To Make the Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water to help thin the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef
Toss the beef pieces in Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. In a hot skillet with butter, sear the beef on all sides until browned but still tender inside. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and a bit more Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer gently, then add Parmesan cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the seared beef back to the skillet, along with the cooked rotini. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight
This rich and satisfying dish serves 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, for the best flavor and texture.
To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid freezing, as creamy sauces can separate after thawing.
What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight
1. Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy Cajun sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables
A tray of colorful roasted peppers, zucchini, and onions adds freshness and balance to the richness.
3. Caesar Salad
The crisp, tangy flavors of a Caesar salad are a great counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
4. Sautéed Green Beans
Quickly sautéed with garlic and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh side.
5. Cornbread Muffins
A slightly sweet and soft side that pairs well with the bold Cajun spices.
6. Grilled Asparagus
Adds a light, smoky touch to the plate.
7. Pickled Jalapeños
If you want to kick the spice up a notch, these add a zesty punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work, though rotini is great for holding onto the creamy sauce.
2. How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to moderate spice level from the Cajun seasoning. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the seasoning or use a mild Cajun blend.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture. Combine everything just before serving.
4. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a small amount of cream cheese to maintain creaminess.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the beef from becoming tough.
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 add extra spice or stick to the classic? Did you try a different pasta shape?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated comfort food ideas on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to meals!
Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into bite-size cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Season beef with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. In a skillet with butter, sear beef on all sides until browned and tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and additional Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Return beef and cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Add pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.