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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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★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Savor the bold flavors of Cajun Steak Tips paired with creamy, cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This comforting dish features tender steak morsels seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a delightful blend of spicy and cheesy that makes for an indulgent yet straightforward dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Tips

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

Pasta and Sauce

  • 10 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak Tips: Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4-6 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 the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season the sauce with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Toss Pasta and Steak in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni and steak tips to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Stir gently to combine, coating everything evenly in the rich sauce. If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Fontina on top and let it melt over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Serve: Once everything is heated through and the cheese has melted, remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ribeye or sirloin steak with flank steak or strip steak for variation.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • The optional mozzarella or Fontina cheese adds a nice melty texture but can be omitted if you want a simpler sauce.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/cajun-steak-tips-in-cheesy-rigatoni-parmesan-sauce-recipe-2/