Description
This rich and spicy dish pairs tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips with a creamy, cheesy rigatoni Parmesan sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort meal with just the right amount of kick and a satisfying cheesy finish.
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. Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan until melted. If using, add mozzarella or Fontina. Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
5. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin. Fold in steak tips gently.
6. Plate immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Swap rigatoni with penne or fusilli if preferred. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: cajun steak pasta, creamy rigatoni, cheesy parmesan sauce