Description
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, spicy steak tips seared to perfection and tossed in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce with al dente rigatoni pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines bold Cajun flavors with rich, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Season and Sear Steak Tips: Generously season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steak tips until browned on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Steak with Sauce: Toss the drained rigatoni into the cheese sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a creamy consistency that clings well to the pasta. Finally, fold in the seared Cajun steak tips until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with an extra sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and tender steak.
