If you’re craving a comfort food dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy textures, the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is here to deliver exactly that. This recipe combines tender, garlicky steak bites with luscious, cheesy rigatoni that’s rich and satisfying. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal for when you want to impress without fuss. The mingling of garlic butter with the creamy cheese sauce truly makes every bite unforgettable, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect balance of juicy steak and creamy pasta. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the seasoning that enhances the steak’s flavor to the cheeses that create that irresistibly smooth sauce.
- 1 lb steak tips: Choose well-marbled steak for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Used both to sear the steak and enrich the sauce, it adds a luscious mouthfeel.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant punch essential for the butter and sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sear the steak evenly and lock in those meaty juices.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the beef beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the steak and pasta sauce perfectly.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: Its hollow shape holds the cheesy sauce wonderfully, making every bite flavorful.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for that stretchy, gooey texture we all love.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella’s mildness.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: The base of the rich, velvety cheese sauce.
- 1 tbsp butter: Melted into the sauce to boost richness and silkiness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overwhelming the sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your rigatoni in generously salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t overcook it since the pasta will soak up some sauce later, and you want it to hold its shape and bite. Drain the rigatoni and set it aside; this simple step lays the foundation for your creamy dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the steak tips and season them with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Each piece gets a nice sear, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully browned and juicy inside. Lower the heat, then add butter and minced garlic, swirling everything together so the steak tips soak up that aromatic garlic butter. When they’re perfectly coated and fragrant, remove them from the heat, letting those flavors marinate.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream along with garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to warm and thicken slightly for a couple of minutes. Gradually whisk in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This is the heart of the cheesy rigatoni, ensuring each bite is rich and indulgent.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked rigatoni right into your velvety cheese sauce. Make sure every rigatoni tube is bathed in that luscious, cheesy goodness. This step makes the dish irresistibly creamy and comforting, ready for its crowning glory.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Plate the cheesy rigatoni generously, then crown it with the garlic butter steak tips. The contrast between the tender, flavorful beef and the rich pasta is what makes this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe so special. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley or an extra dusting of Parmesan for a fresh, decorative touch.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a lively pop of color and a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper also enhances the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone meal, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad or lightly sautéed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make refreshing companions. They add texture and lighten the palate between bites of creamy, cheesy pasta and savory steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated experience, serve the steak tips nestled on a bed of cheesy rigatoni in wide, shallow bowls. Alternatively, try individual ramekins topped with steak tips and broiled just for a minute to create a bubbly, golden crust on the cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the texture, keep the pasta and steak tips together, as the sauce helps prevent drying out.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe freezes well. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and stir occasionally to prevent the cheese from clumping. This will bring back that creamy texture and keep the steak tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because it holds the sauce well, other tubular pasta like penne or ziti will also work beautifully.
What steak cut is best for steak tips?
Chuck steak or sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces works best. Look for cuts with a bit of marbling to keep the steak juicy and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives or vegan cheese, though the flavor and creaminess will be slightly different.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when searing the steak or incorporate a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce for a gentle kick that complements the richness.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and steak tips ahead of time, and then quickly whip up the cheese sauce when you’re ready to serve. This makes assembling the dish fast and easy on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is pure comfort food done right, combining robust flavors and creamy textures that make every meal feel special. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your rotation of favorite meals!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A savory and indulgent dish featuring tender garlic butter steak tips served over creamy, cheesy rigatoni. This recipe combines perfectly seared steak with a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese sauce, creating a comforting meal ideal for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheesy Rigatoni
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Steak Tips: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak tips for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Reduce heat to low, add the butter and minced garlic, stirring to coat the steak in garlic butter. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Gradually add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Steak tips can be substituted with sirloin or ribeye chunks if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Reserved pasta water can be used to thin the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Ensure not to overcook the steak tips to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
