Description
This creamy rigatoni dish paired with Cajun-spiced steak tips delivers the perfect blend of bold flavor and comforting richness. Ideal for cozy nights or dinner guests, it’s an easy-to-follow meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for sauce)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked to your preference. Remove and set aside.
3. In a large pot, boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
7. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer briefly to blend flavors.
8. Plate pasta, top with steak tips, garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s key for adjusting sauce consistency.
Let steak tips rest after cooking to retain juices before slicing or serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: steak pasta, creamy rigatoni, Cajun steak, garlic butter sauce