Description
Craving a steakhouse-meets-trattoria pasta that’s weeknight-friendly and wildly indulgent? This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips delivers tender steak bites, al dente rigatoni, and a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with a gentle Cajun kick. It’s an easy dinner that tastes restaurant-quality—perfect for busy nights, date night, or when you need new dinner ideas fast.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni
1 lb sirloin steak tips cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed
1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2–1 cup pasta water; drain.
2. Pat steak dry; season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; sear steak in 2 batches, 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium; melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream; simmer gently 2 minutes. Add Parmesan; whisk until smooth and creamy.
6. Toss in rigatoni; loosen with reserved pasta water to a glossy sauce. Adjust salt/pepper.
7. Top with steak and juices; finish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use a heavy stainless or cast-iron skillet for better sear on steak tips.
For milder spice, reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tbsp; for spicier, add a pinch of cayenne.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 880
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 55
- Saturated Fat: 27
- Unsaturated Fat: 22
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 160