If there’s ever been a weeknight meal that makes you feel like a total rock star chef, it’s Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Imagine fork-tender, buttery steak tips nestled in swirls of creamy, cheese-laden rigatoni, with pops of garlic and herbs in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels decadent but is secretly quick to whip up, making it ideal for both a midweek comfort food craving and impressing some lucky dinner guests.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing spectacular flavor. Each ingredient shines through, coming together for that signature richness, savory depth, and a hint of luxurious texture in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need—and why they matter so much:

Sirloin steak tips: These juicy bite-sized pieces soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness and turn out incredibly flavorful with a quick sear.
Olive oil: Just a splash is perfect for getting your steak tips golden and caramelized around the edges.
Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo that brings out the beefy flavors and balances the sauce.
Unsalted butter: The base for your sauce, giving it that rich, velvety backdrop for the garlic and herbs.
Garlic: Four cloves means you get that warm, aromatic punch in every mouthful—just the right amount of garlic bliss!
Fresh thyme (or dried): A sprinkle of earthy, herby freshness elevates the whole dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of gentle heat—add to taste or leave out for a milder sauce.
Rigatoni pasta: Those ridgy tubes are perfect for catching every last drop of that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, ultra-silky sauce you won’t be able to resist.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream, drawing out those irresistible cheesy pulls with every twirl of pasta.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, tangy depth and ensures the sauce develops serious flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch rounds out the sauce with warmth—trust me, it makes a difference!
Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh green finish that lifts the whole plate and makes it pop.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni

Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil and drop in your rigatoni. Cook according to the package until perfectly al dente—the pasta should still have a slight bite. Drain and set aside. This step frees you up to multitask while the steak gets started. The goal? Plump, slightly chewy pasta that will eagerly soak up every bit of creamy cheese sauce!

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

While your pasta cooks, let’s get those steak tips going! Pat them dry for the best sear, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. In go the steak tips—sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously browned and cooked to your ideal doneness. Remove them from the skillet and set aside (don’t worry—they’ll finish mingling in the sauce soon).

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet (no need to wash—those browned steak bits add flavor!). Toss in the minced garlic, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Stir for about a minute, just until everything smells intoxicating. This is the flavor foundation for your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Step 4: Create the Cheesy Cream Sauce

Now comes the magic: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, then sprinkle in your mozzarella, Parmesan, and a touch of nutmeg. Keep things moving with a gentle stir—watch as the cheese melts into the hot cream, transforming into a silky, decadent sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when it glides smoothly off the spoon.

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Add the drained rigatoni directly into that luscious sauce. Toss well to coat every tube, then gently fold in the cooked steak tips. Let everything mingle and heat through for another 1 to 2 minutes, so that every bite is piping hot and loaded with steak and creamy goodness. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

For the ultimate finishing touch, don’t skip the fresh parsley—it’s not just for looks! That pop of green adds an herbaceous brightness, balancing the richness of the cheesy sauce and tender steak. You could also shower the dish with extra Parmesan for an irresistible savory crunch.

Side Dishes

While Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is wonderfully satisfying on its own, consider adding roasted broccoli, a simple mixed green salad, or some buttery garlic bread. Those sides help soak up any lingering sauce and round out the meal with freshness or crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta family-style in a big, rustic bowl at the center of the table for a fun, shared experience. Or, dish it up in shallow pasta bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of chopped chives. For a restaurant-style touch, top with a flurry of shaved Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making your next bowl possibly even more delicious!

Freezing

You can freeze the finished dish, though the sauce texture may change slightly. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—it helps keep the steak tender and the sauce smoother.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently so the sauce stays silky and the cheese doesn’t separate. The microwave also works—use short intervals and stir often.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Sirloin is classic, but ribeye or New York strip will make your steak tips even more tender and flavorful. Just be sure to cut the steak into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the steak?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk, stirring often to keep everything moist and creamy. This helps prevent the steak from becoming tough and keeps the cheesy sauce luscious.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers make tasty additions. Just toss them into the skillet with the sauce before adding the pasta and steak tips.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

If you prefer a lighter version, swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. The sauce will still be creamy, just a bit less decadent.

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead of time?

This dish is at its best freshly made, but you can prep components in advance—cook the pasta and sear the steak tips ahead, then quickly combine everything and heat through when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a steaming bowl of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni—the way the savory steak melts into the cheesy, garlicky pasta is true comfort food nirvana. If you’re looking for a meal that’s impressive yet totally doable, give this one a try. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the table!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent yet simple dinner with this recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Tender sirloin steak tips are seared to perfection, then tossed with a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce and served over rigatoni pasta. This dish is a flavor-packed comfort food that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Tips:

1½ pounds sirloin steak tips (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain.
Sear the Steak: Season and sear steak tips until browned, then set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, thyme, and pepper flakes. Stir in cream and cheeses until smooth.
Combine: Toss pasta in the sauce, then add steak tips and warm through. Garnish with parsley and serve.