Description
Craving a bold and comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy to pull off at home? This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips delivers big on flavor and texture. You’ll love the creamy garlic butter sauce wrapped around al dente pasta, topped with juicy, spice-rubbed steak tips that sizzle with Cajun flair. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, easy comfort food, or a weeknight recipe that impresses, this one checks every box—hearty, creamy, and bursting with savory goodness.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for steak)
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (garnish)
0.25 cup white wine (optional)
Grated mozzarella or fontina (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat the steak tips dry. Toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and rest, topping with a tablespoon of butter.
4. In a separate deep pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until smooth.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
8. Plate the creamy pasta and top with rested Cajun steak tips. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce and better flavor.
Don’t skip resting the steak—it keeps the juices locked in.
Stir the pasta into the sauce while it’s still hot for better absorption and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 785
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, steak pasta, Cajun steak, garlic butter rigatoni, dinner ideas, comfort food