Description
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce mixes seared, spice-kissed steak bites with rich, creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked rigatoni.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp butter (additional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional for extra melt)
- Reserved pasta water (up to 1/2 cup, if needed to thin sauce)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Steak
- Toss steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak tips until browned on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Make the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese
- Stir in grated Parmesan until melted into the cream.
- If using, add mozzarella or Fontina for a richer sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Steak
- Add drained rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Gently fold in seared steak tips.
- Serve Warm
- Plate immediately. Top with extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper if you like.
Notes
- This dish is ideal for weeknights when you want something satisfying without a long prep.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35-40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun Steak Tips, Cheesy Rigatoni, Comfort Food