Indulge in the creamy richness of Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips – a dish that beautifully marries the warmth of Italian pasta with the bold zest of Southern spices. This recipe presents an irresistible fusion of flavors that will have your tastebuds dancing with delight. The tender, juicy steak tips are coated in a robust Cajun seasoning, while the rigatoni pasta is luxuriously enveloped in a thick, buttery cream sauce that’s loaded with flavorful garlic and Parmesan. Let’s face it – who wouldn’t want a bowl of this divine dish? Perfect for any night of the week, this meal is all about comfort and satisfaction.
Not only is this Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips a feast for the senses, but it also strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or looking for an impressive dish for date night, this recipe checks all the boxes. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour to prepare, you’ll feel like a culinary genius as you serve up restaurant-quality flavors right from your kitchen.
What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility. You can easily modify it to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences by swapping ingredients while still maintaining that deliciously creamy and spicy kick. Ready to dive into this flavor-packed adventure? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of Cajun spices and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and satisfying – just what you need for a cozy meal.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish is not only delicious but also looks beautiful on the plate.
- High Protein: Packed with protein-rich steak, this meal is both filling and nutritious.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. A clean, organized workspace is key to a successful cooking experience. First, ensure you have a large pot for boiling your rigatoni and a colander for draining the pasta. You’ll also want a deep skillet or sauté pan for making the creamy garlic sauce and a cast iron skillet for searing the steak tips—this will help you achieve that perfect caramelization.
Additionally, have your measuring cups and spoons handy, along with a whisk and spatula for easy mixing and stirring of the sauce. It’s wise to chop your garlic in advance and measure all spices and ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Having everything ready to go will make your time in the kitchen enjoyable and efficient!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or tenderloin steak tips, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak Tips
Begin by marinating the cubed steak tips in a blend of olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure every piece is well-coated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Cover the bowl and let the steak rest for about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting time infuses the meat with flavor and ensures a juicy result when searing.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an “al dente” texture. This step is critical because the pasta will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water—you’ll need it later to adjust the sauce consistency. Once drained, set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of butter once hot. Add the marinated steak tips in a single layer and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they achieve a nice golden-brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan as this will steam the meat rather than sear it. Once cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the steak tips, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown. Whisk in the flour, cooking it for another minute to form a roux. This step helps thicken your sauce, adding a lovely texture. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the cream sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese (if using). Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your taste. Mix well until the cheeses are completely melted, creating a luscious sauce. Now, add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
To serve, plate generous portions of the creamy rigatoni and top it with the seared Cajun steak tips. For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it’s still warm and the sauce is creamy!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out steak for grilled chicken or shrimp for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for a touch of nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like Italian seasoning or a touch of cayenne for additional heat.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to cook the rigatoni to “al dente” to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spices based on how much heat you enjoy; Cajun seasoning can vary significantly in heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a crisp, green salad and a light vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread on the side for that ultimate Italian experience.
Tips
- Allow steak tips to marinate longer for a deeper flavor, ideally 1 to 2 hours under refrigeration.
- For a creamier sauce, add a bit more heavy cream or additional cheese as desired.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 750 calories per serving
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 880mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve to prevent it from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and flavorful steak are usually a hit with kids. Adjust the spiciness according to their taste.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish, but the pasta may become mushy when reheated. It’s best consumed fresh.
Conclusion
This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is truly a show-stopper that’s both easy to make and rich in flavor. It’s a wonderful recipe to impress family and friends or simply enjoy all by yourself on a cozy night in. The silky sauce combined with the kick of Cajun-spiced steak creates a satisfying harmony that’s hard to resist. We hope you give this recipe a try and unleash your culinary talents! Don’t forget to share your experiences, comment with any variations you tried, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious in your kitchen.
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Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy richness of Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips – a dish that beautifully marries the warmth of Italian pasta with the bold zest of Southern spices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or tenderloin steak tips, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the cubed steak tips in a blend of olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure every piece is well-coated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Cover the bowl and let the steak rest for about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an “al dente” texture. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of butter. Add the marinated steak tips and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese (if using). Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until melted. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Plate portions of creamy rigatoni and top with the seared Cajun steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Allow steak tips to marinate longer for a deeper flavor, ideally 1 to 2 hours under refrigeration. For a creamier sauce, add a bit more heavy cream or additional cheese as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Protein: 45 g