Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoning-coated steak cubes sautéed to perfection and tossed with al dente rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan and cheddar cheese sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick balanced by the smooth cheesy sauce, making it an irresistible meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak Tips
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a strainer and set aside.
- Season the Steak: Pat the cubed steak dry and toss them with the Cajun seasoning to evenly coat all pieces.
- Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak cubes and sauté for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a brown crust and are cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheeses to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked rigatoni and sautéed steak tips back into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the cheesy sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- To make the dish lighter, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
- If steak tips are not available, you can use thinly sliced steak strips.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak cubes to keep them tender and juicy.
- The dish is best served immediately; leftovers can be stored refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce consistency.
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, spicy steak pasta