Description

This recipe features tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips seared to perfection and combined with al dente rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy, and cheesy Parmesan sauce. Enhanced with garlic, a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella (or Fontina) cheeses, and a hint of Cajun spice, it’s a deliciously comforting dish perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or special dinner.

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

Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear them until browned on all sides, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
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, stirring occasionally.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. If using, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese as well, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, creamy texture. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
Combine: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if you need to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Gently fold in the seared steak tips to combine everything evenly.
Serve: Plate the Cajun steak tips and rigatoni immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Choosing ribeye steak tips will yield a more tender and flavorful result, but sirloin works well for a leaner option.
Adjust the quantity of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
You can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti if desired.
If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it.
For a lower-fat version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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