Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni (Print Version)

Cajun-spiced steak tips and cheesy rigatoni create a hearty, creamy meal with a touch of spicy warmth.

# Components:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 10 ounces rigatoni pasta
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus additional to taste
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Optional

11 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Fontina cheese

# Directions:

01 - Coat steak tips evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned on all sides, approximately 6 minutes. Transfer steak tips to a plate and keep warm.
02 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
03 - In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
04 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If desired, fold in mozzarella or Fontina cheese for additional creaminess. Season with salt, black pepper, and more Cajun seasoning according to preference.
05 - Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, using reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust consistency. Gently fold in seared steak tips, mixing carefully to coat all ingredients.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy yet impressive dinner ready in about half an hour
  • Perfect for steak and pasta lovers looking for bold flavors
  • Customizable heat level to suit your taste
  • Creamy cheese sauce wraps each noodle beautifully
  • Great way to use a flavorful cut of steak in a fun new way
02 -
  • High in protein and calcium thanks to steak and cheese
  • Customizable to your preferred spice level
  • Saucy enough to please both pasta and steak fans
03 -
  • Do not skip thoroughly drying and seasoning your steak before searing That crust makes the flavor
  • Use a wide skillet or cast iron pan so the steak browns instead of steams
  • If the sauce gets too thick add a splash of pasta water until it coats the noodles easily
  • Taste as you go adjusting Cajun spice for your preferred kick level
  • Letting cheese melt fully before adding pasta keeps the sauce silky smooth
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