Description
This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is the ultimate comfort-meets-bold-flavor recipe. Tender rigatoni is coated in a velvety parmesan garlic butter cream sauce, then topped with juicy Cajun-spiced steak tips that are perfectly seared. Whether you’re in search of a quick dinner, easy recipe for guests, or fresh dinner ideas to spice up your weeknight rotation, this dish delivers. Packed with flavor, richness, and just enough heat, it’s a standout choice for easy dinners, food ideas, or a cozy date night meal.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Pat steak dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet and sear steak tips in batches, 2–3 minutes per side until browned and medium-rare. Remove and let rest.
4. In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Plate the creamy pasta, top with steak tips, and garnish with fresh parsley.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Let the steak come to room temperature before searing—it gives a more even cook and better sear.
Always save pasta water—it can rescue a sauce that’s too thick and helps emulsify it.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce and the best flavor—pre-grated just doesn’t melt the same.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, cajun steak, quick dinner, easy recipe, garlic butter pasta, weeknight meal, comfort food