Get ready to elevate your dinner table with this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan! This dish combines tender, spice-rubbed steak bites with creamy, cheesy rigatoni coated in a rich Cajun Parmesan sauce. It’s bold, indulgent, and perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself or impress your guests.

The smoky Cajun spices on the steak beautifully complement the velvety rigatoni, which is tossed with garlic, cream, Parmesan, and a touch of heat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving comfort food with a kick, this dish hits all the right notes.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For this recipe, go for a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak. You want something that cooks quickly and stays juicy when seared. Cut it into bite-sized cubes so every piece gets beautifully coated in the Cajun seasoning and sears up with a flavorful crust.

Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip): Provides the rich, juicy protein and soaks up the Cajun spices.
Rigatoni pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy, cheesy sauce in every bite.
Cajun seasoning: Adds smoky, spicy notes that bring excitement to both the steak and sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, silky base for the Parmesan sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty goodness and thickens the sauce.
Butter: Helps sear the steak and adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
Parsley: Brightens the finished dish with a touch of fresh color.

How To Make the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Generously coat your steak cubes with Cajun seasoning. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak pieces until they develop a golden crust and are cooked to your desired doneness. Set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, and let it melt into a velvety sauce. Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce until fully coated. Plate it up with the seared Cajun steak on the side or on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Serving and Storing Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Serve this dish fresh and hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley. It’s best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less.

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, ziti, or fusilli work great if you don’t have rigatoni.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the steak and sauce ahead, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm it slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I make it without heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 go extra spicy or keep it mild? Did you sprinkle on more Parmesan? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other cook better!

Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A bold and indulgent dinner dish combining tender Cajun-spiced steak bites with creamy, cheesy rigatoni tossed in a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

1 lb sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak, cut into cubes

12 oz rigatoni pasta

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

Season steak cubes generously with Cajun seasoning.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and sear steak until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan, and whisk until smooth. Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce until fully coated.
Plate rigatoni with Cajun steak on the side or top. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner