The rich aroma of garlic butter and spicy beef searing in the pan always signals a good night in our house. This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce combines tender, charred meat with a velvety pasta base for pure comfort. I first made this on a rainy Thursday when I needed something hearty that James would love but that wouldn't take all evening.
You need to make this now because it feels like an upscale restaurant meal but comes together in just one skillet and a pot. It is one of those steak pasta dinner ideas that instantly becomes a regular rotation on the family menu.
Why You'll Love This
This dish balances the bold heat of Cajun spices with the cooling richness of a homemade cream sauce. The contrast between the seared, savory steak bites and the soft, cheesy pasta makes every mouthful interesting. This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is hearty enough to satisfy big appetites without needing complicated sides. It reminds me of a sophisticated version of steak bites cajun parmesan mac and cheese, but with hearty rigatoni that holds the sauce beautifully. Best of all, the entire meal is ready in about 35 minutes, making it achievable even on busy nights.
Jump to:
Ingredients
This recipe relies on quality beef and fresh dairy to create a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The spice level is adjustable, so you can make it as mild or as fiery as your family prefers.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Sirloin Steak Tips: I prefer sirloin for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but ribeye works too.
- Rigatoni: The ridges in this pasta shape are perfect for catching the thick steak and pasta dinner ideas sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for creating the velvety texture that binds the cheese and spices.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-packaged varieties.
- Cajun Seasoning: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne provides the signature kick.
Optional Extras
- Bell Peppers: Sautéed red and green peppers add color and sweetness to the dish.
- Green Onions: Chopped scallions on top bring a fresh, crisp bite to finish the plate.
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips (Step-by-Step)
These simple steps will guide you through searing the meat and building a quick pan sauce while the pasta boils. This method ensures you have a complete steak dinner ideas pasta meal ready in no time.
Boil the Pasta Start by cooking the rigatoni in salted water until it is al dente. Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid is "liquid gold" for silky sauces.
Season and Sear Coat the dry steak cubes generously with the spice blend and sear them in hot oil.
How do I get a good crust on the steak? Make sure the pan is screaming hot and do not overcrowd the meat; this ensures searing rather than steaming.
Build the Base Remove the steak and melt butter in the same skillet to sauté the garlic. The browned bits left on the bottom of the pan will lift up and add incredible depth to your sauce.
Simmer the Sauce Pour in the heavy cream and seasoning, letting it bubble gently until it thickens slightly. You will see the texture change from watery to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Combine Everything Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth, then toss in the pasta and steak. The sauce will cling to the noodles and meat, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish.
Top Tip
Here is how to ensure your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is flawless.
Use a homemade blend → controls sodium levels → try a custom Cajun seasoning recipe. This attention to detail prevents a grainy sauce and ensures the steak remains juicy, not tough.
Dry the meat → ensures a hard sear → look for a deep brown crust.
Room temp cream → prevents sauce breaking → look for a smooth emulsion.
Grate cheese fresh → melts without clumps → look for silky texture.
Reserve water → adjusts sauce thickness → look for glossy pasta coating.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have in your fridge. If you aren't a fan of red meat, swap the steak for chicken thighs or shrimp which also pair beautifully with Cajun pasta. To lighten it up, add spinach or broccoli florets into the boiling pasta water during the last minute of cooking. For a smokier flavor, add a diced and rendered andouille sausage to the mix along with the steak.
Storage
This dish makes for excellent leftovers, though the cream sauce will thicken significantly in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making it one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to bring the creamy texture back to life. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy-based sauce tends to separate and become grainy when thawed.
Best Pairings for Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Serve this rich pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. A side of garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left in the bowl. To round out these steak dinner ideas, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a cold amber ale pairs wonderfully with the spicy beef.
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for tips?
Sirloin is the most common choice because it is affordable and tender when cut into bites. Tenderloin is a luxurious option, while ribeye adds more fat and flavor.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You might need to simmer it longer or add a little extra cheese to get the right consistency.
Is this dish very spicy?
It depends on your seasoning blend. If you are sensitive to heat, look for a "mild" Cajun blend or reduce the amount used in the dinner ideas recipes.
Why did my cheese clump?
This usually happens if the heat is too high when adding the cheese. Always remove the pan from the heat or turn it to low before stirring in the Parmesan.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this Dinner, you might like these other hearty pasta and meat dishes.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the rigatoni in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente, reserving half a cup of water before draining.
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and toss them in a bowl with 1.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until fully coated. Removing moisture helps the meat develop a better crust.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender inside.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate; reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan. Keeping the drippings adds flavor to the sauce.
- Sauté the minced garlic in the butter for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning, letting it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. You will see bubbles slow down as the cream reduces.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Toss the cooked rigatoni and steak bites back into the sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Creamy Cajun Steak Pasta Recipe:
Leave a Reply