Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Short, Catchy Intro

So you want a meal that feels fancy but barely judges your life choices, huh? I got you. This dish pairs Cajun steak tips with a creamy cheesy rigatoni that hugs your soul and maybe your waistline too. It cooks fast, tastes like you worked hard, and somehow makes leftovers taste like a personal miracle.

If you love cheesy pasta for dinner and bold meat for dinner conversation, this one hits both. Want something with similar comfort vibes but a different spin Try this Creamy chicken spaghetti recipe for when you feel like switching things up.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it brings the drama without the stress. The steak tips give you that spicy Cajun kick while the Parmesan and cream smooth everything out like a polite referee. It looks like you cooked all evening but actually you just timed things well and cheated a little with store bought seasoning. No shame.

It is forgiving too. Overcook the pasta a tad No big deal. Use a different cut of beef Meh fine. This recipe forgives mistakes like a good friend forgives bad haircut choices. IMO this is the kind of meal that impresses guests and comforts a lonely Tuesday night in equal measure.

Also if you enjoy smoky meaty mains you might like this old family favorite with a spicy twist that disappears fast at gatherings smoky summer sausage twist worth bookmarking.

Ingredients Youll Need

• Cajun seasoned steak tips, about 1 to 1.5 pounds. Use pre seasoned or season your own. You do you.
• Rigatoni pasta, 12 to 16 ounces. Big tubes hold big cheese.
• Parmesan cheese, 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated. Dont skimp.
• Heavy cream, 1 cup. For that addicting silk factor.
• Butter, 2 tablespoons. Classic move.
• Garlic, 2 to 3 cloves, minced. More if you are bold.
• Onion, 1 medium, finely chopped. Sweet and necessary.
• Olive oil, 2 tablespoons. For searing and drama.
• Salt, to taste. Start small, add more.
• Pepper, to taste. Freshly ground if possible.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Save a cup of pasta water if you like the option of loosening the sauce later.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Let the oil get shimmering but not smoking.

3. Add Cajun seasoned steak tips and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. Resting the meat keeps it juicy.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Keep stirring so garlic does not burn.

5. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Turn heat down if the sauce looks like it wants to separate.

6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce stirring to combine. Toss well so every tube gets cheesy love.

7. Return the steak tips to the skillet mixing everything together. Let it warm for a minute so flavors marry.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan if you are feeling fancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the rest for the steak. Cut into it too early and you will lose juices. That is sad.
• Letting garlic burn while you text. Burnt garlic tastes like creditor calls. Be present for a minute.
• Over heating the cream sauce. If it looks curdled turn the heat down and stir. Patience saves dinner.
• Forgetting to salt the pasta water. Pasta needs seasoning so the whole thing isnt bland.
• Crowding the pan when searing. If pieces are touching they steam not brown. Brown for flavor.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No rigatoni Use penne or shells. Any medium tube pasta works great. Penne lets the sauce slide in like it has a purpose.
• No heavy cream Use half and half plus a tablespoon of flour whisked in to thicken. Sauce wont be as rich but still cozy.
• Want less heat Use regular steak tips and add Cajun seasoning sparingly. You can always add more.
• Vegetarian switch Toss in roasted mushrooms and bell peppers instead of steak. You still get meaty texture and big flavor.
• For a smoky tang add a splash of worcestershire or a pinch of smoked paprika. Not over the top just a little wink.
  If you like grilled meats try this lemon herb skirt steak salad for another crowd pleaser grilled skirt steak idea that plays nicely with casual dinner vibes.

FAQ

Q What cut of beef works best for steak tips
A Want tender bites Choose sirloin or flap meat. They sear well and stay juicy. Tougher cuts need longer cooking so skip them here.

Q Can I make the sauce ahead
A Sure You can make the sauce and refrigerate. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive its silkiness.

Q Can I use margarine instead of butter
A Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Use real butter for flavor and texture that actually cares.

Q Is Parmesan the same as Pecorino
A Nope Parmesan is milder and nuttier. Pecorino is saltier and sharper. Swap if you like a punchier taste but go easy on the salt.

Q Can I add veggies
A Absolutely Sautéed spinach, sun dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers make great additions. Add them in step 6 so they get cozy with the sauce.

Q How do I keep the pasta from getting gluey
A Dont overcook and rinse only if you plan to use the pasta cold. Toss it quickly in the sauce while hot and add a splash of pasta water if it seems dry.

Q Leftovers safe to reheat
A Yes Store in the fridge up to three days. Reheat gently on low and add a bit of cream or water to bring back silk.

Final Thoughts

This dish looks like it took effort but it mostly took timing and a willingness to eat your feelings with style. Go bold with seasoning or play it safe if you are feeding picky eaters. Make it yours and own that kitchen moment. FYI this recipe moonlights as a perfect meal for casual date nights and lazy Sundays.

Now go impress someone or just yourself with this cozy plate of spicy steak and cheesy rigatoni. You earned a win tonight.

Conclusion

If you want a quick refresher on the original inspiration for this combo check out this write up on Cajun steak tips with cheesy rigatoni for more tips and variations Cooked Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce.

Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A delightful dish pairing spicy Cajun steak tips with creamy, cheesy rigatoni, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 to 1.5 pounds Cajun seasoned steak tips
• 12 to 16 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 to 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water if desired.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add Cajun seasoned steak tips, cooking until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Reduce heat if necessary.
6. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to combine.
7. Return steak tips to the skillet and mix everything together, warming for a minute.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve hot, and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Rest the steak after cooking to retain juices. Don’t overheat the cream sauce to prevent curdling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Cajun steak, cheesy rigatoni, quick dinner, comfort food, pasta recipes