Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Savor this hearty Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce, combining tender, spice-kissed steak tips with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a flavorful Cajun twist, this dish blends rich butter, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce to delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Tips
- 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
Pasta and Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the steak tips: In a mixing bowl, toss the steak tips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Cook the steak tips: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove steak tips from skillet and set aside.
- Make the cheesy sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the creamy Parmesan sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. If desired, stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese for extra cheesy richness.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked steak tips to the skillet, gently mixing them into the cheesy rigatoni and sauce. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to enrich the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper as needed. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the Cajun steak tips and cheesy rigatoni onto plates. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or any tubular pasta of your choice.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference for heat and flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Adding fresh parsley or green onions as garnish can add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, spicy steak, easy dinner recipe