If you love bold flavors and comforting pasta, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. From the moment the Cajun spices hit the sizzling steak cubes to the creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender rigatoni, this dish has that perfect balance of spicy kick and indulgent richness that just hugs your soul. I promise, once you try this, it’s going straight into your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Comforting Flavors: The Cajun seasoning brings a spicy punch balanced perfectly by the cheesy, creamy rigatoni sauce.
- Super Quick to Make: Prep and cook in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for Steak Lovers: Using sirloin or ribeye ensures tender, juicy steak tips infused with seasoning.
- Flexible and Crowd-Pleasing: You can adjust the heat and cheeses to suit your mood or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve found that these ingredients work beautifully together to bring out the best in this dish—rich, spicy, and cheesy. Plus, a few tips for picking out steaks and cheeses will help you nail the flavor every time.
- Sirloin or ribeye steak: Choose a cut with good marbling for juicy, tender steak tips.
- Rigatoni pasta: The ridged tubes hold the sauce wonderfully, making every bite flavorful.
- Cajun seasoning: Use a quality blend or make your own for a customized spice level.
- Unsalted butter: Gives you control over saltiness and adds creaminess to your sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps with searing the steak and adds depth to the flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates that aromatic base every good sauce needs.
- Heavy whipping cream: The secret for that dreamy, silky sauce texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Fresh is key—pre-grated powder doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Mozzarella cheese (optional): I toss it in for extra gooeyness, but you can skip if you want it lighter.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and balance all those bold flavors.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it milder, cheesier, or even meat-free, there’s room to tweak!
- Swap the Steak: I once swapped out steak for spicy grilled chicken, and it was fantastic for a lighter twist.
- Cheese Varieties: Try adding sharp cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy vibe that your guests will rave about.
- Heat Level: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne for extra kick, or tone it down by using half the amount.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the steak with seasoned mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives—they soak up the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Patting the steak cubes dry is a game-changer here because it helps them brown up nicely instead of steaming. Coat the cubes evenly with Cajun seasoning, then heat your skillet with olive oil and a bit of butter — that combo lends such great flavor and helps create a beautiful crust. Sear the steak cubes on all sides until browned but still tender inside—about 3-4 minutes total—and then set them aside. You’ll get leftover goodness in the pan that we’ll use for the sauce, so don’t wash it out!
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni Just Right
Boil your salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of that pasta water before draining. That starchy water is magic for adjusting your sauce later, especially if it gets too thick.
Step 3: Create the Rich Cheesy Sauce
In the same skillet with those tasty steak bits, melt the remaining butter and sauté your minced garlic until fragrant—just about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan; that’s where the magic happens! Once it starts to thicken a bit, turn the heat low and stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella if using. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is silky smooth.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Toss the drained rigatoni and seared steak into the creamy sauce, stirring to coat every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach your ideal creaminess. Season with salt, pepper, and an extra dash of Cajun seasoning if you crave a bolder flavor. Serve hot and prepare for all the compliments!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Dry Your Steak Well: I learned that drying the steak cubes before seasoning ensures a perfect sear and richer flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Using that starchy water helps you control sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating fresh Parmesan results in a smoother, creamier sauce – it’s worth the extra effort!
- Don’t Overcook Steak Cubes: Cook them quickly over medium-high heat to keep them juicy and tender, avoiding toughness.
How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top — the fresh herb contrast really brightens up the richness. Sometimes, I add a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning or a few red pepper flakes for those who like a bit more heat. A squeeze of lemon before serving is also surprisingly great to cut through the creaminess!
Side Dishes
Because this dish is rich and hearty, I like pairing it with simple sides—think steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, or roasted asparagus. Crusty garlic bread is also a winner for soaking up every last bit of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to serve the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe in individual cast iron skillets. It keeps everything warm and adds a rustic charm. Layering the pasta with steak tips on top and finishing with an extra sprinkle of cheese and herbs makes it really pop at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The steak can sometimes firm up, but reheating gently restores most of its juiciness. Just keep the sauce and pasta together so the rigatoni stays coated.
Freezing
Freezing this dish works, but I recommend freezing before adding the cheese sauce if possible. The cream sauce can separate when frozen and thawed, but you can salvage it by warming slowly and whisking to bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the pasta and steak gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but stirring halfway through helps keep the texture nice.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works best to hold onto the sauce with its ridges and hollow shape, you can use penne, ziti, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time for al dente accordingly.
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How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you choose. I usually go moderate so it complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it, but you can increase or decrease to your taste—or omit it for a milder flavor.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheeses designed for melting. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious, especially if you maintain the Cajun seasoning punch.
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What’s the best way to cut the steak for this recipe?
Cut steak against the grain into roughly 1-inch cubes—that makes for more tender bites and helps the seasoning penetrate better. If you cut with the grain, steak tips can become tougher and chewier.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t get enough of this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe — it’s so satisfying and easy to pull together, even on a hectic night. Every time I make it, the spicy, creamy flavors win over my whole family, and I know you’ll feel the same way once you try it. So next time you want a dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this is definitely the one to turn to. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe combines tender, spicy steak cubes with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. Seasoned with bold Cajun spices and finished with melted mozzarella for extra creaminess, this dish is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the rigatoni pasta.
- Sear the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry, then coat them evenly with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak cubes until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Create the sauce base: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavors.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked steak cubes to the skillet with the sauce and add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and steak with the cheesy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by gradually adding the reserved pasta water. Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier melting experience in the sauce.
- Reserving pasta water helps you thin out the sauce and bind it better to the pasta.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
