Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender, spicy steak with creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 10 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter (divided)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
6. Step 6: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Gently fold the seared steak tips into the cheesy pasta mixture.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning and add smoked paprika for smoky flavor without too much heat.
• Use ribeye for extra tenderness or sirloin for a leaner option.
• Feel free to swap rigatoni with penne or ziti if preferred.
• Adding a handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil at the end brightens the flavors nicely.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed to prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak as long as it’s cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be careful not to overcook the steak tips to keep them tender.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 149 reviews

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender, spice-seasoned steak bites with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. The rich parmesan and mozzarella cream sauce is infused with garlic and Cajun seasoning for a delightful bold flavor that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Steak and Seasoning

• 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter (divided)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta and Sauce

• 10 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces to the hot skillet and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Once seared, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
3. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer to slightly thicken the sauce.
4. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired, tasting and adjusting as needed.
5. Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni into the creamy cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency. Carefully fold in the seared steak tips, ensuring they are warmed through and well combined.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun steak rigatoni immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for the best tenderness and flavor.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
• Reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce for a smoother texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Adding mozzarella or Fontina cheese is optional but adds a lovely melty texture and flavor depth.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture as the cheese sauce can thicken upon standing.

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, steak and pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food