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
Scale
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.
