Description
If you’re craving bold comfort food that feels both fancy and familiar, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce is for you. It’s a rich and indulgent dish that pairs juicy, seared garlic butter steak bites with al dente rigatoni smothered in a luscious blend of four cheeses. This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy dinner ideas, quick comfort food, or weeknight pasta recipes that feel like a treat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to an elevated meal, this dish combines the best of bold flavor and creamy, cheesy satisfaction. It’s a must-try for steak lovers and cheese fanatics alike.
Ingredients
1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded fontina cheese
¼ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Season steak with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, add olive oil to the skillet, and sear steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and medium-rare to medium. Remove from pan and let rest.
4. Lower heat to medium and pour heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up brown bits from the bottom.
5. Gradually stir in mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and gorgonzola cheeses. Whisk until smooth and melted. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to thin the sauce.
6. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and stir to coat.
7. Return the steak to the skillet and toss everything together. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Let your steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure an even sear.
Grate your own cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce—pre-shredded cheese can clump.
Use a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, steak pasta, rigatoni recipe, garlic butter steak, comfort food, easy dinner