Description
A bold, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced steak bites served over cheesy rigatoni in a velvety Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight indulgence or a showstopping meal for guests.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just shy of al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Add rigatoni to sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Plate pasta and top with seared steak. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes