Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

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There’s something utterly satisfying about a plate of creamy pasta, especially when it’s topped with juicy, seared steak bites and smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. I’ve made countless pasta dishes over the years, but this Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni holds a special place in my heart. It’s comforting, indulgent, and absolutely packed with bold, savory flavors.

What makes this recipe shine is the perfect balance of textures and richness. The rigatoni captures the creamy sauce in every bite, while the steak—tender and caramelized—adds a hearty, luxurious touch. This dish is a weeknight favorite in my kitchen when I want something quick, yet restaurant-worthy. And the best part? It doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated steps.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

• Flavor-packed and comforting: Between the juicy steak and velvety garlic butter sauce, every bite is bursting with satisfaction.
• Perfect for weeknights or date nights: It feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
• Customizable: Swap the pasta, adjust the heat, or throw in extras like mushrooms or spinach.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything comes together with a few pans and common kitchen tools.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner or friends over, this dish never disappoints.

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What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For this recipe, I prefer using sirloin steak because it’s lean, flavorful, and cooks quickly. But other tender cuts like ribeye, strip steak, or even filet mignon work beautifully too. The key is to cube the steak into bite-sized pieces and sear them until golden on the outside and juicy inside. Avoid overly tough cuts like chuck or round unless you’re planning to marinate them well in advance.

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Options for Substitutions

• Pasta: If you don’t have rigatoni, penne, fusilli (like in the image), or even fettuccine are great alternatives. Just aim for something with enough texture to hold the sauce.
• Steak: Swap steak for chicken breast or thigh, or use portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Cream: Half-and-half or coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream if you want a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Garlic: Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic delivers the best flavor.
• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, plant-based butter will still give you that rich, indulgent finish.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

• Rigatoni (or Fusilli as shown): A sturdy, tubular pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Steak (sirloin or ribeye): Provides hearty, juicy protein with a rich, beefy flavor that contrasts the creamy sauce.
• Butter: Creates the luxurious base of the garlic butter sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
• Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and body to the sauce, making it rich and comforting.
• Garlic (fresh cloves): The star of the sauce — aromatic, pungent, and delicious when sautéed in butter.
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty depth to the sauce and helps it thicken slightly.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the steak to achieve that golden crust.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the full flavor of both the steak and sauce.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh garnish that adds color and a bright, herbaceous finish.

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Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, dice the steak into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and grate the Parmesan. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni (or your pasta of choice) according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

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Step 3: Sear the Steak

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sear the steak cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned and just cooked through (about 3–4 minutes). Remove and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

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Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a velvety texture. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Return the seared steak to the pan and gently mix it in. Let everything heat through for another minute or two.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Plate the creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Prep Time: You’ll need around 15 minutes to prep everything. That includes cutting the steak into cubes, mincing the garlic, chopping parsley, grating cheese, and getting your pasta water boiling.

Cook Time: Cooking takes about 20–25 minutes from start to finish. Searing the steak and cooking the pasta can happen simultaneously. The sauce comes together quickly once the base is ready. So in total, expect this dish to be ready in roughly 35–40 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

• Don’t overcook the steak. Sear it until just browned on the outside to keep it juicy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Reserve some pasta water. It’s the secret to adjusting sauce thickness without breaking it.
• Cook pasta al dente. Slight firmness keeps the texture balanced once it’s tossed in the sauce.
• Let the steak rest before adding back in. It keeps the juices intact and prevents overcooking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Crowding the pan when searing steak. This causes steaming, not searing.
• Burning the garlic. It turns bitter quickly—sauté just until fragrant.
• Adding cream too fast. Pour it in slowly and stir to avoid curdling.
• Skipping salt in pasta water. The pasta needs it for flavor.
• Overheating the sauce. Once the cream is in, keep it to a gentle simmer.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni?

1. Garlic Bread

The extra buttery, crisp edge pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.

2. Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A fresh, acidic salad balances the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and a bit of smokiness that goes well with the garlic butter.

4. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

A slightly sweet contrast that cuts through the creamy flavors.

5. Red Wine

A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the steak beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed. If you must freeze it, do so without the pasta, and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~720 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg

(Note: Nutritional values vary depending on steak cut, cream type, and pasta brand.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak is best for this recipe?

Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak are great choices. They’re tender and flavorful with minimal prep.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for best results, cook the pasta and sauce fresh.

How do I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stir in a dash of hot sauce.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

Yes, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap butter for olive oil.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives with similar textures and flavor profiles.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni is one of those dishes that brings together luxury and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this pasta never fails. It’s rich, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. With a few fresh ingredients and a bit of attention to detail, you’ll have a plate of creamy, garlicky goodness ready in no time.

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