Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Craving a bold and creamy dinner that’s easy to make? This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce features tender sirloin steak tips seared to perfection, tossed with rigatoni in a smoky, cheesy cream sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized tips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Sear steak tips in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Add Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
- Step 9: Return steak tips to the skillet and toss gently or serve them over the pasta.
- Step 10: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing steak; giving each piece space ensures a good sear and caramelization.
- For a spicy kick, add extra Cajun seasoning to the sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
- Substitute sirloin tips with other tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon for different textures.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the dairy-based sauce can separate when thawed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne, ziti, or shells works well because they hold the creamy sauce effectively.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend. You can also skip adding extra spices to the sauce and serve with cooling sides like a creamy salad.
PrintCajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
A bold and creamy dinner featuring tender sirloin steak tips seared to perfection and tossed over rigatoni pasta in a smoky Cajun Parmesan cream sauce. This hearty dish combines spicy Cajun seasoning with a luscious cheesy sauce, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
For the Steak Tips
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized tips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
For the Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Steak Tips: Sprinkle the sirloin steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning and let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the Skillet and Sear Steak: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the cooked steak tips from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rigatoni thoroughly.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add more Cajun seasoning to taste if desired. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni into the sauce and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin it to your preferred consistency.
- Add Steak Tips: Return the seared steak tips to the skillet with the pasta and gently toss them together, or you can serve the steak tips on top of the pasta when plating.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, bright finish and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the creamy texture and bold, spicy flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest and richest sauce texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the steak to ensure proper caramelization and browning.
- Resting the steak after searing helps retain its juices and tenderness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing is not recommended due to potential separation of the dairy-based sauce.
Keywords: Cajun Steak Tips, Cheesy Rigatoni, Parmesan Sauce, Creamy Pasta, Spicy Dinner, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food
