If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly comforting, you’ve got to try this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. I absolutely love how the spicy, tender steak bites mingle with creamy, cheesy pasta — it’s like a cozy hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make this, your family will go crazy for it, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Ready to dive in? Let me walk you through all the juicy details.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed: The Cajun seasoning gives the steak tips a perfect kick that makes every bite exciting.
- Creamy Comfort: That cheesy rigatoni sauce is silky and rich, making the dish unbelievably satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this on the table in about 35 minutes, ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones beg for this recipe whenever I make it—it’s always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe come together in a way that’s both simple and indulgent. Choosing quality steak and fresh Parmesan cheese really makes a difference, and I’ll share tips on how to pick the best for your dish.
- Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Go for good-quality steak that’s well-marbled to keep your tips juicy and tender.
- Rigatoni Pasta: Its hollow shape is perfect for holding that creamy sauce—don’t skip it!
- Cajun Seasoning: Pick your favorite blend or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Unsalted Butter: Splitting it between cooking steak and sauce gives a rich base without overpowering flavors.
- Olive Oil: Helps get a nice sear on your steak and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that aromatic punch to the sauce.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the sauce luscious and velvety—don’t substitute with milk if you want that richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key here for smooth melting and vibrant flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese (optional): I love adding a little shredded mozzarella for extra gooey creaminess.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste, but remember your Cajun seasoning may already bring some saltiness.
Variations
I’ve found this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe to be wonderfully flexible. Feel free to tweak it to match your mood or dietary needs—it’s all about what makes you happy in the kitchen.
- Make It Spicier: When I want an extra kick, I add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce right into the cream sauce—delicious!
- Use Different Pasta: Sometimes I swap rigatoni for penne or even shells; they work just as well to hold that sauce.
- Dairy-Free Version: For friends who can’t do dairy, substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using a vegan cheese alternative works surprisingly well.
- Vegetable Boost: I occasionally toss in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for some fresh texture and color.
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear Those Steak Tips
Start by cutting your steak into 1-inch cubes and patting them dry—this little step ensures a beautiful sear. Sprinkle the steak pieces with about a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning; I usually add a pinch more if I want it spicier. Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak cubes until they’re nicely browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan; getting a good crust is what seals in those flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta Al Dente
While the steak is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just al dente—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes depending on your pasta brand. I always reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; that starchy water is magic for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the steak (don’t wipe it clean — those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you scrape up all those tasty browned pieces stuck to the pan. Stirring constantly, add in the freshly grated Parmesan and, if you want, the mozzarella, until melted into a silky sauce. This is when your kitchen will start smelling truly irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Adjust
Return the seared steak tips to the pan with your sauce, then toss in the cooked rigatoni. Use a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick — the starch in the water helps it cling beautifully to the pasta and steak. Taste for seasoning and add salt, pepper, or a tad more Cajun seasoning if you like. Give it one last gentle toss and you’re ready to serve your perfect plate of Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Patience with the Sear: Patting the steak cubes dry is a game changer; it helps you get that caramelized crust we all crave.
- Fresh Cheese for the Win: I learned the hard way that pre-grated Parmesan can get clumpy—not fun. Freshly grating it makes the sauce silky smooth.
- Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water saved my sauce many times; it balances thickness and helps the cheese cling better.
- Avoid Overcooking the Steak: Don’t rush the searing process or crowd the pan; otherwise, you’ll end up steaming the cubes instead of browning.
How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
I like finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions—they add a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts perfectly with all that creamy richness. If you want to kick it up a notch, a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top can add a surprising zing that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but I enjoy pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the flavors beautifully without competing on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, I like to serve the cheesy rigatoni in small individual ramekins and top each with a few steak tips and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. It feels fancy yet inviting—plus, it makes portion control easier when you have hungry guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My family rarely has leftovers, but when we do, I store the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes almost as good the next day with a bit of reheating love.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftovers once or twice with decent results—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. To thaw, pop it in the fridge overnight. The sauce might thicken, but a splash of cream or milk while reheating brings it back to life.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Stir frequently and add a little extra cream or reserved pasta water to keep it glossy and smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like strip steak or tenderloin. Just be mindful of cooking times, as tougher cuts might need longer or different preparation to stay tender.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
Heavy cream is key for this sauce’s richness and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, full-fat coconut milk can be an alternative, especially if you want a dairy-free version. Just expect a slightly different flavor. Whole milk won’t provide the same creamy result.
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How spicy is this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe?
The level of spice depends on your Cajun seasoning blend and how much you use. I usually start with one tablespoon and adjust to taste. If you like heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or hot sauce when making the sauce.
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Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cut and season the steak cubes a few hours ahead and refrigerate. The pasta and sauce are best made fresh, but you can cook pasta in advance and reheat gently with a bit of cream to restore creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it checks all my boxes: quick, flavorful, and downright comforting. I love how the spicy steak balances the luscious cheese sauce, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do. So next time you want to impress without stress, give this recipe a whirl—I promise it won’t disappoint!
Print
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Description
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender, spiced steak cubes with al dente rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a touch of Cajun flair.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Boil the water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to cook the rigatoni pasta.
- Sear the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak cubes until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Add rigatoni to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Create the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits left from the steak for extra flavor.
- Melt the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and serve: Add the drained rigatoni and steak cubes back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Adjust the sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as needed. Taste and season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce as needed.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra creaminess, include the optional mozzarella cheese or omit for a sharper Parmesan flavor.
- Ensure steak cubes are well seared for maximum flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
