Name: Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
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

Description

If you're searching for a dish that beautifully marries creamy Italian flavors with a touch of Southern spice, look no further than this irresistible Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips.

Ingredients

Scale

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 your steak tips to boost their flavor. Combine the cubed steak with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes.
While the steak marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it according to package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Next, heat a cast iron skillet or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and become bubbly. Add the marinated steak tips, sear for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
In the same skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for an additional minute.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Season to taste.
Add the drained rigatoni to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
To serve, plate the rigatoni and top with the seared Cajun steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour. For a vegetarian variation, replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or another meat substitute.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 700 per serving
Sodium: 850 mg
Protein: 45 g