Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 10 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp butter (divided); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

I’m so excited to share this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe with you! This dish is a total flavor bomb – tender, juicy steak tips tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to rigatoni pasta. It’s that kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and comforting, ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

What really makes this recipe shine is the Cajun seasoning – it adds just the right amount of spicy kick to balance the richness of the Parmesan cream sauce. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you’re craving something both hearty and special. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is in the simplicity and how well the ingredients come together. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect balance between spice, creaminess, and savory depth.

Steak tips (sirloin or ribeye): I prefer sirloin for its balance of tenderness and flavor without breaking the bank.
Rigatoni pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the sauce better than thinner pastas, making every bite delicious.
Heavy cream: This adds that luscious, velvety texture to the sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated delivers a richer, nuttier flavor than pre-grated.
Cajun seasoning: Adds bold spice and depth. Don’t be shy to adjust to your heat preference.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch.
Butter (divided): It enriches the sauce and helps sear the steak perfectly.
Olive oil: For searing – it handles the heat nicely and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional): For extra melty cheesiness if you’re feeling indulgent.

Variations

I love to switch things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to personalize this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Variation: For a lower-carb version, swap rigatoni for zucchini noodles – just cook the sauce and steak as usual, then toss with sautéed zoodles for a lighter meal.
Variation: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the steak for some extra veggies and texture.
Variation: Use a different cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper flavor.
Variation: For a smokier touch, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika into the Cajun seasoning mix – I do this when I’m aiming for a deeper barbecue vibe.
Variation: If you prefer a less spicy dish, dial back the Cajun seasoning and add a sprinkle of Italian herbs instead.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak Tips

Start by patting your steak tips dry with paper towels – this helps get a nice sear instead of steaming. Toss them in the Cajun seasoning along with a pinch of salt and black pepper, massaging the spices into every piece. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you get other things ready. This little step is key to getting tender, flavorful bites.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. I always test a piece a minute or two before the recommended time to ensure it’s got that perfect bite—it’ll continue cooking a bit once you mix it with the sauce. Drain, but save about half a cup of pasta water—you’ll use it to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot but not smoking, add the steak tips in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, then flip and sear the other side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness (I like medium-rare). Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds, careful not to burn it! Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt, pepper, and a little extra Cajun seasoning if you want more kick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the steak tips to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Add the drained rigatoni and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated. At this point, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella or Fontina if using, then cover the pan briefly to let it melt into a cheesy dream. Once melted, give everything a final stir and remove from heat.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom and middle layers are rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy orange sauce with small green herb bits scattered throughout, giving a glossy and textured look; on top, there is a layer of browned, juicy beef cubes with a caramelized outside, arranged in the center. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley – it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal lift. Sometimes, I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for silkiness and add freshly cracked black pepper on top. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders here too.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite rich, so I like to balance it with something crisp and bright like a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes great sidekicks for mopping up the cheesy sauce. Roasted or steamed green beans or asparagus bring in some freshness and crunch, which I find perfect alongside creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s a showstopper for dinner parties! Another fun idea is layering the steak and sauce over rigatoni in a casserole dish, sprinkling with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and baking it to add a crispy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the sauce is creamy, it firms up in the fridge, so just let it come to room temperature a bit before reheating.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the cream sauce can sometimes separate when thawed, changing texture. But if you’re careful, freezing the steak tips and sauce separately from the pasta works best, then recombining after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta and steak in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or drying out. Avoid microwaving directly from the fridge if you can; slow, gentle reheating does the best job of preserving flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend sirloin or ribeye for tenderness and flavor, flank or skirt steak can also work if sliced thinly against the grain to keep it tender. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid toughness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can easily swap the steak tips for hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini, sautéed with Cajun seasoning. The cheesy rigatoni Parmesan sauce stays perfectly delicious without meat, and you get a satisfying umami flavor.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?

The Cajun seasoning adds a medium level of spice with smoky and savory notes. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less seasoning. If you prefer less spice, start with half the amount and add more after tasting.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep and cook everything in advance, but I recommend combining the pasta with the sauce and steak just before serving for the best texture. If you store it combined, the pasta may absorb too much sauce and get mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. The combination of warming spices, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked steak is just unbeatable. I’m confident once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen too – and you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal ready whenever you need it.