Description
This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is the ultimate fusion of creamy Italian comfort and bold Southern spice. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made right at home, featuring tender steak tips seasoned with smoky Cajun spices and rigatoni pasta drenched in a rich garlic butter parmesan sauce. Perfect for dinner ideas, date night, or whenever you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful. If you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe, high-protein food ideas, or comfort meals that impress—this one hits all the marks.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs sirloin or tenderloin steak tips, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon butter
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate steak tips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 20–30 minutes.
2. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. Sear steak tips in a cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
4. In a deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
6. Slowly add heavy cream and milk while whisking. Simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened.
7. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella. Season with black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth.
8. Add rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Plate pasta and top with seared Cajun steak tips. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy-spicy harmony.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
Let the steak rest after searing to retain moisture and tenderness.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups pasta with 4–5 oz steak
- Calories: 840
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, cajun steak, comfort food, rigatoni recipe, food ideas