Description
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned steak tips seared to perfection and served in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with al dente rigatoni pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a kick of Cajun spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- Cajun seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
Pasta and Sauce
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Steak: Generously coat the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear until they’re browned all over, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Melt in the Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss Pasta and Steak in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. Fold in the seared steak tips, ensuring everything is well coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni with steak tips immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for tenderness and flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Do not overcook the steak tips to maintain juiciness.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce may be less creamy.
