Description
Savor the bold flavors of Cajun Steak Tips served over creamy, cheesy rigatoni in a rich Parmesan sauce. This hearty dish features tender, spice-rubbed steak cubes pan-seared to perfection and tossed with rigatoni pasta in a luscious combination of heavy cream, milk, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness—perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Cheesy Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Toss the cubed steak with the Cajun seasoning until all pieces are evenly coated, allowing the steak to absorb the bold spices.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a pasta strainer and set aside.
- Pan-Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, about 4-6 minutes depending on cube size. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as desired.
- Toss Pasta and Steak: Return the steak cubes to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to reheat them briefly. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together to coat the pasta and steak evenly in the cheesy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the Cajun steak tips with cheesy rigatoni and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye for tender and flavorful steak tips.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level for milder or hotter flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer cream and milk mixture a little longer before adding cheese.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated versions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, steak pasta dish