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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Naomi
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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Find it online: https://naomifletcher.com/cajun-steak-tips-in-cheesy-rigatoni-parmesan-sauce-recipe/