Description
Tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips combined with creamy, cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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)
Instructions
- Season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning and let sit for a few minutes.
- Cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips and sear until browned and cooked to preferred doneness. Remove steak and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant but not browned.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream (if using), stirring continuously until sauce thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked rigatoni and steak tips back to skillet, gently tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For milder flavor, reduce Cajun seasoning or substitute with smoked paprika.
- Swap rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or other pasta shapes.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend for different cheesy variations.
- Replace heavy cream with extra milk or lower-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
