Introduction

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a comforting dish that brings together tender, flavorful steak with a rich and creamy pasta sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines spicy, savory, and cheesy elements in every bite.

The dish shows a close-up of rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy, orange-colored sauce with small green herb bits scattered throughout. The pasta is ridged and hollow, filling the white bowl evenly as the base layer. On top, there are several small cubes of browned, grilled steak with a shiny, textured surface, arranged in the center of the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the composition highlights the contrast between the creamy pasta and the dark, seared meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 evenly with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips 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 pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté 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 grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed for a creamy consistency.
Step 7: Gently fold in the seared steak tips to combine all ingredients well.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper.

Tips & Variations

Use ribeye for a more tender, juicy steak, or sirloin for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra smoky heat boost.
Substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, or your favorite short pasta.
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving to keep the steak tender and sauce creamy.

How to Serve

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, divided into two parts. On the left side, there are rigatoni pasta pieces covered in creamy orange cheese sauce sprinkled with specks of black pepper, giving a slightly textured look. Each pasta piece is tubular with visible ridges, coated thickly with cheese. On the right side, there are several brown, grilled steak cubes with a shiny, slightly charred surface, showing grill marks and a juicy texture. The cooked steak pieces contrast with the creamy pasta, making the dish look rich and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, but you can use other cuts like flank or skirt steak. Just be aware these may require shorter cooking times to avoid toughness.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The dish has a moderate level of heat from the Cajun seasoning, which you can adjust to your preference. Add more seasoning for extra spice or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe combines tender seared steak tips seasoned with bold Cajun spices with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. The sauce blends heavy cream, Parmesan, and optional mozzarella or Fontina for a rich, comforting finish that’s perfect for a hearty dinner.

Author: zara
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

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 with Cajun seasoning generously. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear them until they are browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove 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. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta 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 over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the Cheese: Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream until melted and smooth. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Gently fold in the seared steak tips to combine with the creamy pasta.
Serve: Immediately plate the pasta and steak, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for the best tenderness and flavor.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Optional cheeses like mozzarella or Fontina enhance the meltiness but can be omitted for a sharper Parmesan-focused sauce.
Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier dish.
Serve immediately as the creamy sauce thickens upon standing.

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, steak pasta recipe