If you have a craving for something creamy, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, you’re going to love this Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce and Cajun Steak Tips Recipe. Imagine tender rigatoni noodles swimming in a luscious garlic butter Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly complemented by spicy, juicy Cajun-seasoned steak tips. It’s a dish that brings together rich textures and vibrant tastes in every bite, making it an ideal meal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to create harmony between flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy Parmesan sauce to the smoky Cajun steak tips, every component plays a key role in this delicious dish.
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold onto that creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 pound beef steak tips (sirloin or ribeye): Tender, juicy cuts that are perfect for quick cooking and bursting with flavor.
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: Adds a spicy, aromatic kick to the steak tips that balances out the creamy pasta.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the steak to get a beautiful crust and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The foundation for that heavenly garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic punch that permeates the entire dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious base for the Parmesan sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the cream sauce with its nutty, salty flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning both the steak and the pasta components.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
How to Make Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce and Cajun Steak Tips Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak Tips
Start by patting your steak tips dry with paper towels; this step is crucial for a good sear. Then, generously season the beef with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This combination will layer the steak tips with bold flavor and a little spicy heat that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned steak tips in the pan and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, creating a deliciously browned crust that locks in the meat’s juices. Once cooked, remove the steak tips from the pan and set them aside to rest while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente, following package instructions. Don’t forget to save one cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is a secret weapon that helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency later on.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, until fragrant and golden but not burnt. This step infuses the butter with rich garlic flavor that will shine through in the sauce.
Step 5: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired sauce texture.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat every piece evenly. Let it simmer on low heat for one to two minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This step makes sure every bite is coated in rich, garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Plate and Top with Steak Tips
Divide the rigatoni between plates and arrange the Cajun steak tips on top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a little more grated Parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce and Cajun Steak Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for that vibrant green contrast and fresh herbal note that lightens the rich sauce. Feel free to add a few red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a subtle brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables, which offer refreshing crunch and color. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works beautifully to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in shallow bowls for an elegant presentation, or cast iron skillets to keep the dish warm and rustic. You can also sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning lightly over the steak tips for a restaurant-quality finish that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta and steak tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the sauce and steak together so the flavors stay melded, but if you prefer, you can store them separately.
Freezing
While the steak tips freeze well, the creamy sauce and pasta may separate after thawing. If you plan to freeze, store the steak tips separately and reheat the pasta fresh if possible for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwave reheating which can cause the sauce to curdle.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye steak tips are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other quick-cooking cuts like flank or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice them thinly for the best texture.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for heavy cream?
You can try coconut cream or a cashew cream as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor and texture of the dish will change. For a closer match, many people use full-fat coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate heat level with smoky and earthy spices. If you prefer less heat, use half the amount or substitute it with a milder seasoning blend.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the steak tips for grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. The creamy rigatoni sauce will still taste incredible and the Cajun spices will add plenty of flavor.
What wine pairs well with Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce and Cajun Steak Tips Recipe?
A bold red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah complements the spiciness of the steak and richness of the sauce perfectly. For white wine lovers, a buttery Chardonnay also works really well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress your taste buds with a rich, flavorful, and wonderfully balanced dish, this Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce and Cajun Steak Tips Recipe will do exactly that. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory in one satisfying plate. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s every bit as comforting as it is delicious. You’ll thank yourself for making it!
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Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce and Cajun Steak Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Cajun influences
Description
This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is a hearty and flavorful dish combining perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with spicy, seared Cajun-seasoned steak tips. A wonderful blend of bold Cajun spices and smooth, cheesy cream sauce makes it an ideal comfort meal for four.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
Steak Tips
- 1 pound beef steak tips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the steak: Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, and add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sear the steak tips: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a browned crust. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the rigatoni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss well to coat all the pasta. Allow it to simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the creamy rigatoni and top with the Cajun steak tips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Use steak tips like sirloin or ribeye for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amounts depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
- Parsley adds fresh color and flavor; you can substitute with basil or chives if preferred.
