Cajun 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
Scale
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
