Description
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful fusion of bold Cajun spice and creamy Italian comfort. Tender steak bites are seared to perfection and layered atop rigatoni coated in a silky, cheesy Parmesan sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between spice and richness, making it an irresistible main course for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Steak Tips:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring the steak to room temperature and pat dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan gradually, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thick.
- Toss cooked rigatoni in the sauce, loosening with pasta water as needed.
- Serve pasta topped with seared steak tips and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes