Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with these Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This dish combines tender, spiced steak bites with rich, creamy pasta for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make any night of the week.
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, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese and stir until combined.
- Step 6: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Step 7: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Step 8: Gently fold the seared steak tips into the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use sirloin for a leaner option or ribeye for more marbling and flavor in your steak tips.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level, adding more for extra spice or less for a milder dish.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or scallions before serving.
- If Fontina or mozzarella isn’t available, try a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or any tubular pasta that holds the sauce well.
How do I prevent the steak tips from becoming tough?
Be sure to sear the steak over medium-high heat just until browned and avoid overcooking. Removing the steak from the pan once browned helps keep it tender when combined with the sauce.
PrintCajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe pairs tender, spicy steak bites with al dente rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. The dish is infused with fragrant garlic and a kick of Cajun seasoning, making it a perfect comforting meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- Salt for boiling water (to taste)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak tips and sear them until they are browned on all sides, about 3-5 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 pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted smoothly into the cream. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese, stirring until just melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta into the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Gently fold the seared steak tips into the pasta and sauce mixture, making sure everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun steak rigatoni immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a good quality steak like sirloin or ribeye for tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier dish.
- Reserve pasta water adds creaminess and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk instead of heavy cream, but the consistency will be thinner.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Cajun steak, rigatoni pasta, creamy Parmesan sauce, cheesy pasta, steak tips recipe, one pan pasta, Cajun seasoning
