Cajun 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
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
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
