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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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★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender, spice-seasoned steak with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta enveloped in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce. Ideal for those craving a comforting yet zesty meal, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak

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

Pasta

  • 10 oz rigatoni pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Additional Cajun seasoning as needed

Instructions

  1. Sear the Steak: Season the steak tips thoroughly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak tips and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package instructions (about 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined into the cream. If desired, add the shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese for extra creaminess. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Stir well.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to thin it to your desired consistency. Gently fold in the seared steak tips to combine all flavors without breaking the meat pieces.
  6. Serve: Immediately plate the Cajun steak rigatoni, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot for best taste.

Notes

  • Use ribeye steak tips for a richer, more tender dish or sirloin for a leaner option.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference; add more for a bolder kick.
  • Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less thick.
  • The optional mozzarella or Fontina adds extra gooey texture but can be omitted if desired.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

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

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