introduction
This Cajun Beef Fettuccine is a quick and tasty meal with spicy cream sauce and strips of steak. It cooks fast and fills the kitchen with good smells. If you like simple beef dishes, you may also enjoy a quick beef and broccoli stir-fry for another weeknight idea.
why make this recipe
Make this when you want a full meal with meat, pasta, and vegetables in one pan. It is easy to follow, uses common ingredients, and has bold Cajun flavor. It is great for family dinners and for times you want a warm, comforting plate. For other simple beef dinners, see this another simple beef stir fry.
how to make Cajun Beef Fettuccine
Work step by step and use medium-high heat for good browning. Cook the pasta while you cook the meat and veggies to save time. If you like the pasta to hold the sauce well, learn from recipes that use similar noodles and technique like some beef lo mein tips.
Ingredients :
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (12 oz) package fettuccine pasta
4 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions :
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sirloin steak strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream to the skillet; stir in the Cajun seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese; stir until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Cajun Beef Fettuccine
Serve hot on plates or in bowls. Add extra Parmesan on top if you like. A simple green salad on the side keeps the meal fresh. You can also serve it with bread or a side from a hearty dish like a beef pot pie style side for a filling meal.
how to store Cajun Beef Fettuccine
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts and stir between heats.
tips to make Cajun Beef Fettuccine
- Cut the steak thin and even so it cooks fast and stays tender.
- Do not overcook the peppers; keep some bite for good texture.
- Taste the sauce before adding cheese and adjust seasoning.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little extra beef broth or cream.
- For best meat flavor, choose good beef and avoid over-trimming; learn why the meat choice matters from a short guide on how to choose good beef.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken or sausage instead of steak for a different protein.
- Make it spicier by adding extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for more vegetables.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Use a tender cut like flank or skirt, sliced thin. Adjust cook time to avoid toughness.
Q: Can I make this in one pan?
A: You can brown the meat and cook the veggies in one pan, but cook the pasta separately. Drain pasta and add to the pan with sauce.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Simmer a bit longer to reduce it, or stir in a little extra Parmesan to thicken the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing cooked cream sauces can change texture. It is best to freeze only the cooked meat and veggies, then add fresh cream when reheating.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Yes. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream and a vegan cheese substitute.
Conclusion
If you want more one-pot Cajun pasta ideas, try the rich take on this dish like One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with lots-of-veg – RecipeTin Eats for lots of vegetables. For a creamy version with a similar method, see Creamy Cajun Beef Pasta – Chef Jon Watts. If you want a chicken alternative, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (with Video) – Budget Bytes is a good guide. For a sausage twist on creamy Cajun pasta, try One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Pass Me Some Tasty. For a surf-and-turf feel with blackened steak and shrimp in a cream sauce, see Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo – I Am Homesteader.
Cajun Beef Fettuccine
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into strips For best flavor, avoid over-trimming.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 12 oz package fettuccine pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Can be adjusted to taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sirloin steak strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream to the skillet; stir in the Cajun seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese; stir until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.