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
Scale
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
