Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

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Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan. This dish brings together perfectly seared steak bites with creamy, cheesy rigatoni, all kissed with Cajun spice for a bold, comforting dinner that’s pure indulgence. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant treat but is surprisingly simple to whip up at home.

Imagine tender steak cubes, seasoned and seared to a caramelized crust, nestled next to a velvety sauce coating every rigatoni tube. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth, while the Cajun seasoning wakes up the whole dish with just the right kick. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

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What Cut of Steak Works Best for Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan?

For this recipe, tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye are ideal. They sear beautifully and stay juicy in bite-sized pieces. If you’re on a budget, even a well-prepared top round or flank steak will shine when sliced against the grain and quickly cooked.

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Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

• Rigatoni Pasta: Its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce like a dream.
• Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Juicy, tender, and perfect for quick searing.
• Cajun Seasoning: The smoky, spicy heart of this dish.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the rich base of the cheesy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and depth, melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Butter: For searing the steak and adding richness.
• Garlic: A fragrant layer that complements the Cajun spices.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that perfect steak sear.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.

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How To Make the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Season the steak cubes generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak bites on all sides until browned and caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté briefly. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to scrape up the flavorful bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Mix well so every bite is coated in the creamy Cajun goodness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Plate the cheesy rigatoni, top with the seared steak bites, and sprinkle extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for the ultimate comfort experience. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s silky texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

It has a mild-to-moderate kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less or blending it with paprika for a milder flavor.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well here—just be sure to cook them al dente.

What’s the best steak substitute?

Chicken breast or shrimp can be swapped in if you prefer something lighter.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prepare the sauce and steak ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.

How do I make it extra cheesy?

Add a handful of mozzarella or white cheddar to the sauce for an even cheesier pull.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Looking for even more delicious dinner inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page where I share new recipes daily: Life with Nina on Pinterest

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sirloin or ribeye? Did you tweak the spice level?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier!

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