Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender steak with a creamy, cheesy pasta. This recipe brings bold Cajun spices together with a rich Parmesan sauce for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

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. Step 1: Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the steak tips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the steak tips to the skillet and sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4-6 minutes. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add more Cajun seasoning if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Return the steak tips to the skillet, then add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and meat evenly with the sauce.
8. Step 8: If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
9. Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use smoked paprika instead.
• Swap rigatoni for penne or fusilli if preferred; any sturdy pasta shape works well.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and Fontina for a creamier cheese melt.
• Let the steak rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier bites.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin or ribeye steak tips are ideal, but you can use strip steak or flank steak. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is this dish very spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount to make it milder or more intense based on your preference.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe combines tender, spicy steak bites with creamy, cheesy pasta to create a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a hearty dinner.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Steak Tips: Toss the bite-sized steak pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Sear the Steak Tips: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
5. Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with additional salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to taste.
6. Combine Pasta and Steak with Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni and seared steak tips back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce. If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese on top and gently stir or allow to melt in the warm sauce.
7. Finish and Serve: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and stir to incorporate for extra richness and gloss. Serve the Cajun steak tips and creamy rigatoni hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though it may be less rich and thick.
• Adding mozzarella or Fontina cheese is optional but adds a lovely gooey texture.
• Be careful not to overcook the steak to keep it tender and juicy.
• If you want extra garlic flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley mixed with minced garlic.

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, easy dinner