Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488060H48M55S
Total time: PT-488060H48M55S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb steak tips; Cajun seasoning, to taste; Olive oil or butter, for cooking; 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 tbsp butter (for sauce); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (whole or 2%); ¼ cup heavy cream (optional); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This dish combines tender, flavorful Cajun-seasoned steak tips with a creamy, cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting meal with a bold kick from the spices, balanced perfectly by the richness of the cheese sauce. I love how the juicy steak pieces blend with the tender pasta to create a satisfying dinner that feels indulgent yet straightforward to make. Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy recipes that bring together bold flavors and creamy textures, and this one does just that. The Cajun seasoning gives the steak tips a spicy, smoky punch, while the rigatoni smothered in parmesan cheese sauce adds a luscious, comforting touch. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a pasta dinner with the heartiness of steak. Plus, the dish is pretty quick to pull together, making it great for a busy weeknight when I want something impressive but easy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak tips (about 1 lb)
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil or butter for cooking
Rigatoni pasta (12 oz)
Butter (for the sauce)
Garlic cloves, minced
All-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
Milk (whole or 2%)
Heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Start by seasoning the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning. I let them sit for a few minutes to soak in the flavors.
Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned.
Sprinkle the flour into the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk (and cream if using) to avoid lumps, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked rigatoni and steak tips back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. From start to finish, it takes roughly 30-35 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute it with smoked paprika.
Swap rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or any favorite pasta shape.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
Use shredded mozzarella or a mix of cheeses for a different cheesy twist.
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with extra milk or use a lower-fat cheese option.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the pasta and steak tips in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This keeps everything creamy and delicious without drying out the steak.

FAQs

How do I prevent the steak tips from getting tough?

I recommend cooking steak tips over medium-high heat just until browned and cooked through—usually a few minutes per side. Overcooking can make them tough, so I keep an eye on them.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! You can use sirloin, flank steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since different cuts vary in tenderness.

What if I don’t have rigatoni?

Any sturdy pasta shape like penne, ziti, or fusilli works great with this sauce. The key is choosing a pasta that holds up well to the creamy sauce and steak pieces.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes. I swap regular flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Also, make sure to use gluten-free pasta.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

For a vegetarian option, I replace steak tips with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. The cheesy sauce stays the same, making it just as comforting.

Conclusion

I find this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe to be a perfect blend of bold, spicy flavors and creamy indulgence. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for guests or a cozy weekend dinner. The juicy steak tips and rich parmesan sauce over pasta make it a dish I love making and eating over and over