Cajun Steak Tips with Rigatoni and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
