Name: Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak, cubed; 8 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred short pasta); 1 cup beef broth; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack); 2 tbsp butter or olive oil for cooking; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Nothing beats the combo of juicy steak, rich cheesy sauce, and tender pasta—all brought together with a fiery Cajun twist. This Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet is the kind of one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug with a spicy kick. I love how the heat of the seasoning plays with the creaminess of the cheese, and how the seared steak pieces bring out such bold, smoky flavor that ties it all together.

It’s the ultimate comfort food with flair. I made this on a weeknight when I was craving something indulgent but quick. The whole kitchen smelled like a cozy southern kitchen with a hint of spice in the air, and the first bite was everything—cheesy, meaty, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re into easy dinner recipes or need new weeknight meal ideas, you’re in for a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet

One skillet, minimal cleanup—Perfect for busy evenings.
Explosive flavor from Cajun spices, melty cheese, and seared steak.
Customizable heat—adjust the spice level to your taste.
Comfort food with a kick—bold, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
Ideal for those who love easy recipes with big personality!

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet?

For this skillet, you want a cut that cooks quickly, stays tender, and delivers rich flavor. I personally love using sirloin steak—it’s lean, flavorful, and doesn’t need much time to become juicy and delicious. If you’re feeling fancy, ribeye adds a deeper marbling and buttery texture that elevates the dish. Flank steak or skirt steak also work great if you slice them thinly across the grain after cooking.

No matter what cut you choose, the key is a good sear—high heat and a short cook time keep the meat tender and full of flavor.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or adjusting for dietary preferences, here are some easy swaps:

Pasta: Swap rotini with penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Steak: Chicken breast or shrimp makes a great alternative if you’re avoiding red meat.
Cheese: Use sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese substitute if needed.
Beef broth: Chicken broth or veggie broth can step in without sacrificing too much flavor.
Cajun seasoning: If you’re out, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.
Cream: Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a dairy-free cream can be used depending on your needs.

Ingredients for This Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet

Let’s talk about what goes into building the bold, creamy, spicy magic of this dish. Each ingredient serves a purpose—and together, they create that rich, irresistible skillet you’ll crave again and again.

Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank) – The centerpiece of the dish, adding richness and texture with every bite. Searing it locks in flavor and creates that perfect crust.
Rotini pasta – Its spirals are ideal for catching all that cheesy, spicy sauce. Any short pasta will work, but rotini holds the flavor beautifully.
Beef broth – Adds depth and a savory backbone to the sauce. It ties everything together with a meaty richness.
Cajun seasoning – The heart of the flavor profile. It brings smokiness, spice, and that Southern kick.
Chili powder – Enhances the heat while balancing the savory notes.
Heavy cream – Provides creaminess and makes the sauce luxurious and silky.
Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack) – Melts into the sauce to bring that gooey, melty texture and bold cheesy flavor.
Butter or olive oil – For searing the steak and building richness right from the first step.
Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning both steak and sauce for well-rounded flavor.
Garlic (optional) – Adds depth and a touch of aroma that complements the Cajun spices.

Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak Pasta Skillet 1

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, cube your steak into bite-sized pieces and season it generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of butter or olive oil. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan). Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned with a nice crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the beef broth and scrape up any brown bits left from the steak—that’s where the flavor lives! Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and chili powder. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat and add shredded cheese into the sauce a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta to the cheesy sauce and stir well to coat. Then gently fold in the seared steak pieces. Let everything warm together on low heat for a couple minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Scoop generous portions into bowls or serve straight from the skillet for that cozy, family-style feel. Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for flair.

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet

This dish comes together surprisingly fast, making it ideal for weeknights or impromptu comfort food cravings. Here’s a general breakdown:

Pasta boiling: 8–10 minutes
Steak searing: 4–6 minutes
Sauce preparation and assembly: 10 minutes

Total cook time: about 25 minutes

That’s right—less than half an hour from start to digging in!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet

Sear steak in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan will steam it instead of creating that crave-worthy crust.
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent perfect melting.
Don’t overcook the steak—you want it juicy! Remove it from heat while it’s still slightly pink inside.
Deglaze the pan with broth after cooking the steak. This pulls up all the flavorful bits and infuses the sauce.
Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning and chili powder. Go bold or keep it mellow—it’s your call.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick. It helps loosen everything up without diluting flavor.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness and color contrast.
Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce cling to the pasta and the flavors deepen slightly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

While this dish is simple to prepare, there are a few key things to watch out for to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

Overcooking the steak: Steak cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! Overcooking it can make it tough and chewy. Aim for a nice sear, but keep the interior juicy and tender.
Under-seasoning: Cajun seasoning is the star here, so be generous with it. Don’t forget to season both the steak and the sauce!
Using too much cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and rich, but too much can make it overly thick or greasy. Stick to the suggested amount for the perfect balance.
Clumpy cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly. Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture and smoothness.
Not tasting as you go: Every kitchen is different, so taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
Forgetting to deglaze: After cooking the steak, don’t skip the step of scraping up those flavorful browned bits with the broth. It’s a flavor powerhouse!
Overcooking the pasta: Pasta should be al dente, so be sure to follow package instructions closely and test it a minute or two before the time is up.
Not letting the flavors meld: After mixing the steak and pasta in the sauce, give it a few minutes on low heat to let the flavors really come together.

What to Serve With Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet?

If you’re wondering what would pair perfectly with this hearty dish, here are some delicious options to balance out the richness and spice:

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy pasta beautifully.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad cuts through the richness of the skillet and adds some fresh crunch.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus offer a light, earthy contrast to the bold flavors of the skillet.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, smoky grilled corn adds a satisfying pop of flavor and a touch of sweetness.

Coleslaw

A tangy, creamy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the Cajun seasoning.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple green beans, lightly seasoned with lemon and garlic, offer a clean, healthy side to balance the meal.

Fried Okra

For a Southern twist, crispy fried okra adds a crunchy texture and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with Cajun seasoning.

Cornbread

A warm, fluffy cornbread complements the creamy sauce and adds a bit of sweetness to contrast the spice.

Storage Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet, you’re in for a treat the next day! Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid drying out the steak.
Freeze (optional): If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and then heat in a skillet or microwave.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving for this Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet (based on standard ingredients and portion sizes):

Calories: ~550-600 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~800-900mg
Cholesterol: ~90mg

This dish is a satisfying, hearty meal, but keep in mind that it’s rich, so you may want to pair it with a lighter side like a fresh salad or veggies to balance things out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs are great substitutes for steak. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before slicing. Chicken will absorb the Cajun flavors well, making it a tasty alternative.

Can I make this dish spicier?

If you love more heat, you can increase the Cajun seasoning or add a bit of cayenne pepper to kick up the spice. You can also use a spicier cheese like pepper jack for an extra layer of heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the rotini for any short pasta you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served right away, but you can make the sauce and cook the steak ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking the seasoning for any hidden gluten. Most Cajun seasoning blends are gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check the label.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the steak with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty, flavorful option. You can also add some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar or pepper jack works best for its melting ability, you can experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites. Just make sure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

How do I avoid the cheese clumping in the sauce?

To avoid clumping, make sure your heat is low when adding cheese to the sauce. Add it in small handfuls and stir constantly to ensure smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese works best since it melts more evenly.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make but packed with bold flavors, this Cheesy Spicy Cajun Steak & Pasta Skillet is the perfect recipe. The balance of smoky Cajun spice, juicy steak, creamy cheese, and tender pasta creates a comforting, satisfying meal that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this skillet is sure to be a favorite.

Give it a try and enjoy the magic of Cajun seasoning combined with the richness of cheese and steak—your taste buds will thank you!