Description
A flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips served in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This recipe combines bold Cajun spices with a cheesy, garlicky sauce, making it an indulgent yet simple dinner option ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips
- Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Season and Sear Steak: Generously season the sirloin or ribeye steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips until browned on all sides, ensuring a flavorful crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream, creating a rich sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Toss Pasta and Steak in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the preferred sauce consistency. Fold the seared steak tips back into the pasta, mixing well to combine.
- Serve: Plate the Cajun steak tips and rigatoni with Parmesan sauce immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for an added cheesy finish and serve while hot.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful steak tips.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce for better coating.
- For an extra cheesy dish, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad to balance richness.
