If you are craving a rich, flavorful meal that blends indulgent comforts with a little spicy kick, the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is exactly what you need. This dish pulls together tender, perfectly seared steak seasoned with bold Cajun spices, melting garlic butter goodness, and a luscious rigatoni coated in a cheesy, creamy sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s the kind of dinner that feels celebratory yet simple enough for any night of the week, offering an irresistible combination of textures and flavors you’ll want to make again and again.

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each one plays a crucial role in building those layers of taste, from the depth of the Cajun seasoning to the creamy melt of mozzarella and Parmesan that defines the sauce’s silky texture.

12 oz rigatoni: Choose rigatoni for its hollow shape that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (about 1-inch thick): Pick a cut with great marbling for juicy, flavorful steak.
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This adds the signature spicy, smoky kick that wakes up the whole dish.
1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and balancing flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
1 tbsp olive oil: For a perfect sear on the steak, helping to develop a savory crust.
3 tbsp unsalted butter: Used in the sauce and to enhance richness without overpowering.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings fragrant warmth and matches beautifully with butter and Cajun flavors.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Amazing for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the rigatoni.
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth: Adds savory depth and a subtle meaty richness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: For that ooey-gooey cheesy factor everyone loves.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that rounds out the cheese blend.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A little extra heat for those who want to turn up the spice.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes.
1 tsp lemon juice: Lifts the richness with a subtle zing, balancing the creaminess perfectly.

How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil — it’s crucial for seasoning the pasta from within. Cook the rigatoni until it’s just al dente, firm yet tender. Before draining, reserve half a cup of pasta water; this special starchy water will help loosen the sauce and create that perfect coating.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Pat your steak dry to ensure a good sear, then season generously with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper on both sides. This spices the meat inside and out, promising a flavorful crust and juicy interior.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat a skillet over medium-high and add olive oil along with one tablespoon of butter. Once hot, sear your steak for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish. This step creates a beautiful caramelized crust packed with flavor. Transfer the steak to a plate to rest — this keeps the juices locked in.

Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with garlic, forming the flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 5: Add Broth and Cream

Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer gently for about a minute to deepen the flavor. Then add the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. The cream blends with the broth and garlic butter, making the sauce luscious and inviting.

Step 6: Melt the Cheeses into the Sauce

Whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen it just right — silky enough to coat every rigatoni piece.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is drenched in that creamy, cheesy Cajun garlic butter sauce.

Step 8: Slice and Return Steak

Slice the rested steak against the grain for tenderness, then add it back to the skillet. Sprinkle in optional red pepper flakes for more heat, add fresh parsley, and drizzle lemon juice over everything. Toss gently to combine the bold flavors.

Step 9: Final Taste and Serve

Give the dish a final taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. Serve this sensational Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni hot and enjoy every comforting bite.

How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a light dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving instantly elevates this dish. The herbs lend freshness, while the cheese amplifies that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This rich meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables also offer a nice textural balance and add vibrant color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, serve the rigatoni in shallow bowls topped with slices of the steak and a drizzle of the buttery sauce. You can also plate steak slices fan-style alongside a neat mound of rigatoni, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the sauce creamy when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked rigatoni with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. However, the steak texture may change slightly when frozen, so it’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the steak if possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy consistency. For the steak, warming it quickly in the pan prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal due to its shape holding the creamy sauce, penne or ziti work equally well.

Is ribeye better than sirloin for this recipe?

Ribeye offers more marbling and richness, which can enhance flavor, but sirloin is leaner and still delicious, so choose based on your preference.

How spicy is the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni?

The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle kick, which can be adjusted by including or skipping red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, though the flavor and creaminess will differ slightly.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red wine like a Zinfandel or a bold Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and the spiced steak beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni at home brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your table with minimal fuss. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and flavorful Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak served with creamy rigatoni pasta, combining tender seared steak with a luscious garlic cream sauce and melted cheeses for an indulgent, comforting meal.

Instructions

Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rigatoni and set aside.
Season Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to ensure a flavorful crust.
Sear Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and transfer to a plate to rest, preserving its juices.
Prepare Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and let it simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese: Whisk in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Toss Rigatoni: Add the cooked rigatoni back into the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat each piece in the creamy cheese sauce.
Slice and Return Steak: Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Return the slices to the skillet, adding red pepper flakes (if using), chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the cheesy Cajun garlic butter steak with creamy rigatoni hot for the best enjoyment.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.
Use sirloin for a leaner option, or ribeye for a more marbled and richer steak.
Resting the steak after searing allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a more pronounced flavor than pre-grated cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing, Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 720 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: Cajun steak recipe, creamy rigatoni, garlic butter steak, cheesy pasta, steak dinner, easy steak recipe, comfort food, skillet steak