Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
A deliciously creamy and spicy dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips served over rigatoni pasta coated in a rich and cheesy Parmesan sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner with a flavorful kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4-6 minutes. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Optionally, stir in shredded mozzarella or Fontina for extra cheesiness.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked rigatoni and steak tips back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat pasta and steak with the cheesy Cajun sauce evenly.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed. Serve warm garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak tips for tender, juicy results.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to control spiciness.
- Reserve pasta water to thin out sauce if too thick.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for lighter sauce but results may be less creamy.
- The mozzarella or Fontina cheese adds a nice melt and creaminess but can be omitted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, spicy steak, quick dinner, comfort food