Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp butter (divided); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 10 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to dazzle your taste buds with a little Southern flair, there’s nothing quite like Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This luxurious dish pairs juicy, spice-crusted steak tips and perfectly cooked pasta with the silkiest Parmesan cream sauce, all with a kick of Cajun attitude. Every forkful is a celebration of comfort, flavor, and just a pinch of heat. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or the showstopper at your next dinner party, this recipe brings warm, bold flavors home in one irresistible bowl.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With straightforward staples and a handful of kitchen heroes, Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is big on taste but refreshingly simple to prepare. Each ingredient has a starring role, crafting a pasta dish with just the right balance of richness, spice, and texture.

Steak tips (1 lb): Marbled sirloin or ribeye gives the dish meaty depth and succulent flavor—cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Rigatoni pasta (10 oz): The deep ridges capture every drop of that luscious Parmesan sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Forms the ultra-silky base for your cheesy sauce; use full-fat for best results.
Freshly grated Parmesan (3/4 cup): Choose real Parmigiano-Reggiano for the richest savory notes.
Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp, plus more): Brings the warmth and spice—adjust to your heat preference.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Sautéed until fragrant for an aromatic backbone.
Butter (2 tbsp, divided): Used for both searing steak and building your sauce; helps everything taste just a bit more special.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds flavor and helps brown the steak tips beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—don’t skip here, it makes all the difference.
Shredded mozzarella or Fontina (1/2 cup, optional): Melts into the sauce for extra gooeyness and creaminess.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season the Steak

Start by tossing your steak tips with a generous shower of Cajun seasoning. Make sure the pieces are well coated—this sets the tone for the whole dish by infusing every bite with warmth and spice.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Heat your olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high. When it’s shimmering hot, add the steak tips. Sear them undisturbed until a deep brown crust forms, about two minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need. Once browned and just cooked through, remove to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 10 minutes. Scoop out half a cup of pasta water before draining—the secret to creamy, not clumpy, pasta sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Back to the skillet! Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant, just 30 seconds or so—don’t let it burn. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer: this will form your dreamy, velvety foundation.

Step 5: Make It Cheesy

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan (and mozzarella or Fontina if you’re going extra cheesy) and stir as it melts. The sauce should thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and another pinch of Cajun seasoning if you love a little extra kick. The sauce should taste irresistible at this stage!

Step 6: Toss and Combine

Add the drained rigatoni right into the skillet, tossing to coat every tube. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce until it’s glossy and silk-like. Fold in your seared steak tips, gently mixing so the meat stays juicy but soaks up every bit of that Cajun cheese sauce.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

This is your moment: pile the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce high on plates, finish with more grated Parmesan and a flurry of cracked black pepper. Watch those eyes light up!

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

You can transform a hearty bowl into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of shaved Parmesan, or even a flurry of crushed red pepper for heat seekers. A little drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil also delivers gloss and flavor.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides simple yet impactful: a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, warm garlic bread, or roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. These picks balance the richness of the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try serving individual portions in oven-safe mini gratin dishes and finish under the broiler for a bubbly top. Or swirl the pasta in the middle of the plate, stack steak tips artfully, and spoon extra sauce around for a chef-y touch. The possibilities are as creative as you are!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store extra Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, making a delicious reheat for a speedy lunch or weeknight dinner.

Freezing

While the sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Expect the sauce to thicken when thawed—just add a splash of cream or milk as you reheat to bring it back to life.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Microwave reheating is fine too, just stir halfway through for even heat and silky results.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef for the steak tips?

Absolutely! Sirloin offers a great balance of flavor and tenderness, but ribeye brings extra richness. Even flank or strip steak works—just slice against the grain for tenderness.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, whole milk with a tablespoon of flour can mimic creaminess, but the true magic of Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce lies in that decadent heavy cream.

Can I make this dish less spicy for kids?

Yes! Use a mild Cajun blend or reduce the amount used. Lightly seasoning the steak tips and letting each diner add more Cajun spice at the table works perfectly.

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

Heat gently on the stove with a bit of extra cream or milk to keep everything luscious. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through so nothing overcooks.

Can I make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the sauce and steak tips in advance, then cook the pasta fresh before guests arrive. Combine everything just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s cozy, bold, and just a little irresistible, don’t let this recipe pass you by. Give Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce a try and let it become your go-to dish for impressing the people you love—your kitchen will be filled with smiles, guaranteed!

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

Tender steak tips seasoned with Cajun spices, served in a creamy Parmesan sauce with rigatoni pasta. This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a hearty meal.

Instructions

Sear the Steak: Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Cheese: Stir in Parmesan until melted. If using, add mozzarella or Fontina. Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
Combine: Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin. Fold in steak tips gently.
Serve: Plate immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Boiling
Cuisine: Cajun, Italian