Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup milk; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to turn an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable event, let me introduce you to Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This bold, comforting recipe brings together tender, spice-crusted steak tips with rigatoni pasta, all tossed in a velvety blend of Parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Each bite is the perfect marriage of savory, creamy, and just-the-right-touch of heat, making this meal a surefire hit with family or friends.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love when a handful of simple ingredients blend together to create something truly special? Every element in Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce adds its own pop of flavor, richness, or color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Steak (sirloin or ribeye), 1 lb: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful steak tips that sear beautifully.
Cajun seasoning, 2 tbsp: This is your ticket to smoky, peppery magic—feel free to adjust heat to your preference.
Olive oil, 2 tbsp: Helps achieve that crave-worthy golden crust on the steak tips.
Rigatoni pasta, 12 oz: The hearty tubes are perfect for soaking up all that luscious cheesy sauce.
Butter, 2 tbsp: Adds a rich base to the cheese sauce and helps mellow out the spices.
Garlic, 2 cloves, minced: Just a little aromatics for big depth and warmth.
Heavy cream, 1 cup: The secret to a silky, decadent sauce that hugs every noodle.
Milk, 1 cup: Keeps the sauce pourable and lightens up the richness just enough.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup: Salty and nutty, this cheese melts into a gorgeous sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup: Adds extra gooeyness and a pop of color to the sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle brightens the plate and adds freshness at the finish.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Grab your largest pot and fill it with water, adding a good amount of salt so the pasta itself is infused with flavor from the start. Once it’s at a rolling boil, toss in your rigatoni and cook until just al dente, following the timings on the package. This ensures it will hold its shape and texture when smothered in the cheesy Parmesan sauce later on. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Tips

The magic of Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce begins with those steak cubes. Tumble them into a bowl, add the Cajun seasoning, and use your hands to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until shimmering, then add the steak in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side to lock in the juices and develop a deeply flavorful crust. Transfer the steak tips to a plate and cover to keep them warm and tender while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Now it’s time for that glorious cheesy goodness. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s just beginning to foam, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds; the aroma will instantly make your kitchen inviting. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in both cheeses, allowing them to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste—the key is to achieve an irresistibly silky and cheesy result.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently add your cooked rigatoni to the saucepan of warm cheese sauce. Stir everything together until each rigatoni tube is generously coated in the glossy, cheesy blanket. The pasta will absorb the flavors and make every bite decadently rich and satisfying.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

For the grand finale, plate the creamy rigatoni, top it with those spicy Cajun steak tips, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and oozy for the ultimate Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce experience. This is comfort food at its most spectacular.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

Add a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan atop the finished dish for an irresistible pop of color and brightness. A light drizzle of olive oil or even a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning can provide that extra “wow” moment when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A bright, crunchy green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while oven-roasted asparagus or garlic bread are classic partners that never disappoint.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try spooning individual portions into shallow bowls and nestling the steak tips right on top for a restaurant-style effect. For gatherings, serve family-style from a large platter, letting everyone dig in. You can even portion this into ramekins and broil for a minute to get a bubbly, golden cheese crust—it’s an irresistible twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so you’ll look forward to digging in again.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled pasta and steak into resealable freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture, knowing the cheese sauce may separate slightly but will come together with a good stir.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring regularly and adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep the sauce silky and the steak tips moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are our favorites for tenderness and flavor, any tender cut, like strip steak or even filet, will work well here. Just be sure to cut the steak into even cubes for consistent cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

If you prefer things a little milder, simply use less Cajun seasoning or choose a low-sodium, mild blend. You can always add extra seasoning at the table for those who like extra kick!

Can I make this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free rigatoni and double-check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be safe for most gluten-free diets.

What cheese substitutions can I try?

Feel free to play with the cheese mix—Gruyère or mozzarella can substitute for cheddar, while Pecorino Romano gives a sharper kick in place of Parmesan. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best sauce texture.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak tips?

Cook the steak tips on high heat for just 2–3 minutes per side, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove them from the skillet promptly—they’ll stay juicy and tender, especially once nestled into the warm pasta before serving.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever a time to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly unforgettable, this is it. Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce has all the makings of a new family favorite—easy enough for a weeknight, spectacular enough for entertaining. Dive in, have fun, and don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe!

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the flavorful combination of Cajun-seasoned steak tips served over a bed of creamy rigatoni pasta smothered in a decadent Parmesan cheese sauce. This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe is a deliciously satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season and sear the steak: Toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook 2–3 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove from skillet and cover to keep warm.
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in Parmesan and cheddar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
Assemble and serve: Plate the cheesy pasta, top with Cajun steak tips, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: Cajun, Italian