Cajun 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
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
- 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
