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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Cajun-inspired recipe featuring tender steak tips seared to perfection and combined with rigatoni pasta in a rich, cheesy Parmesan sauce. This dish balances spicy Cajun seasoning with the indulgent creaminess of heavy cream and multiple cheeses, making it a comforting yet bold meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Seasoning

  • 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 10 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter (divided)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes total. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If using, add shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese and continue stirring until melted. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Gently fold in the seared steak tips to combine everything.
  6. Serve: Immediately plate the pasta and steak mixture. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Steak tips can be substituted with sirloin or ribeye chunks for similar texture and flavor.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
  • Reserve pasta cooking water carefully as it helps loosen thickened sauce and improves coating.
  • Using a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella or Fontina adds depth and creaminess to the sauce.
  • Best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, steak pasta recipe

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/cajun-steak-tips-in-cheesy-rigatoni-parmesan-sauce-recipe/