Description
Spicy, creamy, and unbelievably comforting, Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate fusion of bold flavor and indulgent comfort food. With juicy steak bites seared to perfection and tossed into a rich, Parmesan-laced cream sauce that hugs every piece of rigatoni, this dish is ideal for quick dinners or impressive gatherings. It's the perfect combination of easy recipe, dinner ideas, and comfort food goals. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner fix or an elevated pasta night, this Cajun-style pasta is a flavor-packed win.
Ingredients
1 pound steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cubed
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Pat steak tips dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth.
6. Add the rigatoni to the sauce. Toss to coat, and add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Stir in the cooked steak tips and any juices. Simmer for 1 minute to blend flavors.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Let the steak rest after searing to keep it juicy when added back into the sauce.
Always grate your Parmesan fresh for a creamier, smoother sauce.
Start light with Cajun seasoning and adjust based on your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, cheesy rigatoni, steak pasta, creamy parmesan, easy dinner