Cajun Steak Tips with Rigatoni and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Steak Tips recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni. It’s a satisfying dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests. The spicy Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick to every bite.

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

1. Step 1: Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing gently. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Fold in the seared steak tips carefully to combine.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika alongside the Cajun seasoning.
• Use ribeye for more marbling and tenderness, or sirloin for a leaner option.
• Substitute rigatoni with penne or penne rigate if preferred.
• For a lighter dish, swap heavy cream with half-and-half, but reduce the simmering time to prevent curdling.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Steak Tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking the steak. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore sauce creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use flank or skirt steak. Just be sure to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and adjust searing time accordingly to avoid toughness.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta, and make sure the Cajun seasoning you use does not contain any wheat or gluten ingredients.

Cajun Steak Tips with Rigatoni and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

This Cajun Steak Tips recipe features tender sirloin or ribeye steak pieces seared to perfection and tossed with rigatoni pasta in a creamy, spicy Cajun-seasoned sauce. Enriched with Parmesan and optional mozzarella or Fontina cheese, this hearty dish combines bold flavors and comforting textures for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner.

• Author: Naya
• 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 1x2x3x

Steak Tips

• 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter (divided)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta

• 10 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauce

• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear them until nicely browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
2. 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 cooking water for later use.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and slightly golden. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Steak with Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to thin the sauce if needed. Fold in the seared steak tips gently to combine all components.
6. Serve Immediately: Plate the Cajun steak rigatoni immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or your preferred tender steak cut for best results.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
• Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, creamy Cajun pasta, rigatoni with steak, spicy steak pasta, Cajun cream sauce