Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a perfect blend of bold spices and creamy comfort. Tender steak bites are seared and combined with rich, cheesy pasta for a flavorful dish 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 evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips until they are browned on all sides, then remove them from the pan 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 cooking water.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese and stir until combined. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Step 5: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your preferred sauce consistency. Gently fold the seared steak tips into the pasta and sauce.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the Cajun seasoning mix.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or any tubular pasta to hold the cheesy sauce.
- Use leftover steak or grilled chicken for a quicker version of this dish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye are ideal, but you can use other tender cuts like flank or skirt steak. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular rigatoni and ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten ingredients.
PrintCajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe combines tender, spiced steak bites with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The steak is seared to perfection with Cajun seasoning, then mixed into a rich Parmesan and cream sauce, creating a perfect balance of spice and indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 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
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
- Season the Steak: Sprinkle the steak tips evenly with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning along with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned steak tips and sear them until browned on all sides, about 3-4 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 and cook until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted into the sauce. If desired, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese for extra creaminess. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rigatoni pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a smooth consistency.
- Fold in Steak Tips: Gently fold the seared steak tips back into the pasta and sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking up the pieces.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun steak rigatoni immediately. Garnish with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for a flavorful finishing touch.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency without thinning the flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its peak texture.
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, rigatoni pasta, creamy Parmesan sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta recipe, cheesy pasta
