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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

5.2 from 7 reviews

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender seared steak tips with a rich, creamy Parmesan cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick, making it a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for dinner.

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
  • Salt for pasta water

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

  1. Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear until they are browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  3. 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. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
  4. Add the Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the cream. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese and stir until melted. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Gently fold the seared steak tips back into the pasta and sauce mixture.
  6. Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni with steak tips immediately. Garnish with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Mozzarella or Fontina cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best texture and temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, spicy steak pasta, easy dinner, one-pan sauce