Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender steak bites are seared with Cajun spices and tossed in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with rigatoni pasta. It’s a delicious way to bring a touch of bold Southern flavor to your table.
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
- Step 1: Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese and stir until incorporated.
- Step 5: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired to taste.
- Step 6: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Step 7: Gently fold the seared steak tips into the cheesy pasta mixture.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
- Use ribeye for a richer flavor or sirloin for a leaner option.
- Substitute rigatoni with penne or another tubular pasta if preferred.
- If you like a thicker sauce, reduce the reserved pasta water or add more cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for the steak tips?
Yes, sirloin and ribeye are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but other cuts like strip steak or flank can work as long as they are cut into bite-sized pieces and not overcooked.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick and also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta for a creamier dish.
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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful, creamy Cajun steak tips dish served with rigatoni pasta in a rich Parmesan and cheesy sauce. Perfectly seared steak tips are combined with a velvety heavy cream-based sauce infused with garlic, Cajun seasoning, and melted cheeses for a comforting and indulgent dinner.
Ingredients
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)
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak pieces until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted. 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 to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Gently fold in the seared steak tips, making sure they are evenly incorporated.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy Cajun steak rigatoni immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Cooking pasta al dente ensures it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste depending on your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water to control sauce thickness and help it cling better to the pasta.
- The mozzarella or Fontina cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess and flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, rigatoni pasta, cheesy pasta sauce, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe, steak dinner, Cajun seasoning
