Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
