Description
Looking for a next-level dinner idea that combines bold flavors and creamy comfort? This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is the perfect fusion of spice-rubbed juicy steak and velvety pasta in a garlic cheese sauce. Whether you’re after an easy dinner, an indulgent weekend meal, or new food ideas to impress guests, this quick recipe delivers every time. Think restaurant-quality steak meets cozy pasta night — a must-try for fans of big flavor, creamy sauces, and satisfying steak dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb steak (ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Water for boiling pasta
Salt for pasta water
Instructions
1. Pat the steak dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–5 minutes per side depending on doneness preference. Remove and let rest.
4. Lower the skillet heat and add butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Spoon the garlic butter over the rested steak and slice it against the grain.
6. In a separate pan, heat heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until fully melted. Add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
7. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the cooked rigatoni and stir to coat evenly.
8. Plate the creamy rigatoni and top with sliced steak and garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Always rest the steak before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded and creates a creamier sauce.
Save and use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, garlic butter steak, creamy pasta, food ideas, dinner ideas, steak pasta