Decadent, rich, and indulgent—this Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce is a dream for anyone who loves creamy pastas and juicy steak. It’s the ultimate comfort meal that brings together buttery seared steak bites and al dente rigatoni coated in a velvety cheese sauce with layers of flavor from parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, and gouda.

This recipe is perfect for when you want something that feels restaurant-worthy but can be made right at home. Whether it’s date night or a cozy weekend meal, this dish hits that sweet spot of elegance and indulgence, all without complicated steps.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use in the Four-Cheese Sauce?

You want a mix of cheeses that melt smoothly and complement each other. Parmesan brings that salty sharpness, mozzarella adds creamy pull, gouda gives it a buttery depth, and cream cheese creates that silky finish. Together, they make the sauce cling to the rigatoni beautifully.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

Steak (Ribeye, Sirloin, or Filet): Sear to juicy perfection, then slice into steakhouse-style bites.

Rigatoni Pasta: Its ridged shape grabs every drop of sauce.

Butter & Olive Oil: For garlic butter steak magic and velvety sauce.

Garlic (Minced): Brings rich, savory base flavor.

Heavy Cream: The luscious base for the cheese sauce.

Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gouda, Cream Cheese: The cheesy dream team for ultimate creamy goodness.

Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance and balance flavors.

Chopped Parsley (Optional): Fresh finish for presentation and brightness.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Pat your steak cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and juicy. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build the Four-Cheese Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Then stir in the parmesan, mozzarella, and gouda, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth. Season with a bit more salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. If needed, stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Serve with Steak

Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with seared steak bites. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

This meal is best served hot right off the stove. The steak remains tender, and the cheese sauce coats the pasta perfectly. Serve on a large platter or portion into shallow bowls for a bistro-style presentation.

If you have leftovers, store steak and pasta separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta gently with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce. Warm steak quickly in a hot pan or microwave to avoid overcooking.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce?

Roasted Garlic Bread

Because more garlic is always a good thing—perfect for scooping extra sauce.

Balsamic Arugula Salad

Peppery greens and tangy vinaigrette balance the creamy richness.

Grilled Zucchini or Asparagus

Simple grilled veggies keep the plate light and fresh.

Creamed Spinach

Double down on the creamy theme with this classic side.

Lemon Roasted Broccoli

Zesty and crisp, it adds brightness and texture.

Crispy Potatoes

For a hearty upgrade, throw in some smashed or roasted baby potatoes.

Sparkling Water or Red Wine

A bold cabernet or a sparkling lemon soda cuts through all the richness beautifully.

Want More Cheesy Pasta and Steak Dinner Ideas?

If this Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni made your tastebuds happy, you’ll love these other rich, indulgent favorites:

Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni for a buttery steak classic.
Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Strips when you want a spicy edge.
Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta for one-skillet magic.
One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini if you’re craving cheesy pasta without the beef.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a weekday go-to comfort meal.

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Did you go with gouda or switch it up with fontina? Let me know how it turned out in the comments.

And don’t forget to check out more decadent steak and pasta pairings on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest!