Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

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Creamy, rich, and bold—this Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’re eating at a high-end steakhouse from the comfort of home. Perfectly seared Cajun-seasoned steak tips are paired with rigatoni pasta, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce finished with melty Parmesan. Each bite is savory, satisfying, and full of craveable flavor.

What makes this dish truly special is the contrast in textures and flavor profiles. The rigatoni, with its ridged surface, captures the cream sauce beautifully, while the Cajun steak tips bring a smoky heat that balances the richness of the pasta. It’s the kind of indulgent meal that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

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What Cut of Beef is Best for Cajun Steak Tips?

When it comes to steak tips, tenderness is key. Look for cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Sirloin is a great everyday choice—it’s flavorful, juicy, and holds up well to the Cajun spices and high-heat searing. Cut it into bite-sized cubes for a perfect quick cook.

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Ingredients for the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Rigatoni Pasta: This tubular pasta is ideal for catching and holding onto the rich, creamy sauce.

Beef Steak Tips: Choose sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful bites that cook quickly and stay juicy.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter is the flavor foundation for the cream sauce.

Butter: Adds depth and richness to the garlic sauce and helps brown the steak tips.

Heavy Cream: The base for the luscious cream sauce—thick, indulgent, and perfect for coating pasta.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the cream sauce, adding salty, nutty notes and helping it thicken.

Cajun Seasoning: Brings a smoky heat to the steak, giving the dish that spicy edge.

Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak tips to golden brown perfection.

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to taste, used in both pasta and steak components.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled over the finished dish for color and a hint of freshness.

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How To Make the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak Tips

Pat the steak tips dry with a paper towel. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until a rich crust forms. Remove and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Boil the Rigatoni

Cook rigatoni in generously salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet (reduce heat to medium), add butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then slowly add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and velvety. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat each piece evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 6: Serve with Cajun Steak Tips

Plate the creamy rigatoni, then arrange the Cajun steak tips on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley and a light dusting of extra Parmesan.

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How to Serve and Store This Steak and Pasta Dish

This hearty dish is best served immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy, and the steak tips are still juicy and tender. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce and steak separately for up to 2 months. However, cooked pasta tends to lose its texture after freezing, so it’s best made fresh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are great choices, you can also use tenderloin or even flank steak if sliced thin. Just aim for a cut that stays tender with a quick sear.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even a mix of whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce. The texture won’t be quite as luxurious but still delicious.

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning usually has a medium heat level. You can reduce the amount or choose a mild blend if you prefer less heat. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika is a great substitute too.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers all pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Stir them in during the last step before serving.

What’s the best cheese to pair with Parmesan in the sauce?

Adding a bit of mozzarella makes the sauce extra creamy and stringy, while Pecorino Romano adds a sharper kick. Use what you love or have on hand.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It can be! Just keep the pasta and sauce separate from the steak when storing. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the texture.

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Want More Savory Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into hearty, creamy pasta dinners like this one, you’ll love these flavor-packed favorites:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta

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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 splurge on ribeye? Did you add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes?

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

For more delicious ideas, check out my daily shares on Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes.

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