Description
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni recipe combines tender, flavorful steak cubes seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning with a creamy, indulgent Parmesan and cheddar cheese sauce served over perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. It’s a rich, comforting dish that balances bold spices with cheesy goodness for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Parmesan Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season and sear the steak: Toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning until well coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. Remove steak from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Assemble and serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with the Cajun steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a richer, smoother sauce.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your desired spice level.
- Letting the steak cubes rest briefly after cooking helps keep them juicy.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
