Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tips (sirloin or ribeye); 10 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort with a touch of spice, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe for Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is one of my favorites. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Each bite offers tender steak tips coated in a rich, creamy sauce that has just the right amount of kick!

What I love most about this dish is how it brings everyone together around the table. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and I bet it will become a cherished recipe in your household too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Flavorful Comfort Food: The blend of Cajun seasoning and creamy Parmesan creates a delightful flavor explosion.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist the cheesy goodness!
Versatile Ingredients: You likely have most of these simple ingredients on hand already.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the components ahead of time to save even more time during dinner prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make cooking a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

For the Steak Tips

1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce

10 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize it:

Swap the protein: Try chicken or shrimp instead of steak tips for a different twist.
Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and color.
Change the pasta shape: If you don’t have rigatoni on hand, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works well too.
Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the Cajun seasoning or leave it out entirely.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear

Start by seasoning your steak tips with Cajun seasoning. This step is crucial because it infuses them with flavor! In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the steak until browned on all sides. This not only enhances its taste but also gives it that beautiful color. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Your Rigatoni

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook your rigatoni until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve half a cup of that pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant; this brings out its wonderful aroma! Pour in your heavy cream and gently simmer it. Stirring often helps prevent scorching at the bottom.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Seasoning

Once your cream starts bubbling softly, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. If you’re feeling indulgent, toss in some shredded mozzarella or Fontina for extra cheesiness! Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to find that perfect balance.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Toss your cooked rigatoni into that luscious sauce. Use some reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency—trust me; this step is key! Gently fold in those flavorful steak tips so they get coated with all that cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Plate this delicious creation immediately! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top adds that final touch. You’ve just made a stunning dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you!

Enjoy every cheesy bite of this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce; it’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Creating a delicious dish is all about the details, and these tips will help elevate your cooking experience!

Choose Quality Meat: Opting for sirloin or ribeye steak tips ensures tenderness and flavor. Quality cuts make a noticeable difference in your final dish.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the rigatoni to al dente ensures it holds its shape when mixed with the creamy sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t have that satisfying bite.
Balance the Spice: Adjusting the Cajun seasoning according to your taste preferences allows you to control the heat level. This way, everyone at your table can enjoy the dish without feeling overwhelmed by spice.
Reserve Pasta Water: Keeping some pasta water handy is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency. It helps create a creamy texture without making it overly rich.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serving it right after mixing keeps everything warm and saucy, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

When it comes to serving this delightful dish, presentation can truly enhance its appeal. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enticing!

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives: Chopped herbs add a pop of color and freshness that lighten up the rich flavors.
Extra Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top not only looks appealing but also enhances the cheesy goodness of the dish.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread makes for a classic pairing that complements the richness of the rigatoni.
Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green side adds a healthful touch and beautiful color contrast on your plate, balancing out the heaviness of the main dish.
Caesar Salad (without anchovies): Crisp romaine lettuce dressed with Caesar-style dressing provides a refreshing crunch that offsets the creamy pasta beautifully.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds an elegant touch while delivering a nutritious complement to this hearty meal.

Now you’re all set to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to an indulgent night in! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish filled with flavor and warmth.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making it an easy dinner option for busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Let the pasta dish cool down completely.
Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
In a skillet, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water and heat on medium until warmed through.
Stir gently to combine and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this flavorful recipe!

Can I use different pasta for Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is a great choice due to its ability to hold sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta types like penne or fusilli depending on your preference.

How spicy is the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce?

The spice level can vary based on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. Start with one tablespoon and adjust to taste. This dish delivers a nice kick without being overwhelming!

What sides pair well with Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce?

Consider serving this dish with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread also complements the creamy sauce beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce as I am! It’s truly a special recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table. Enjoy cooking it, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun

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Description

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends creamy comfort with a hint of spice, try Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This delightful recipe features tender steak tips tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce and served over al dente rigatoni. With just the right kick from Cajun seasoning, it’s an irresistible meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In under 35 minutes, you can create a comforting dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken tips (sirloin or ribeye)
10 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the steak until browned on all sides, then remove from the skillet.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rigatoni until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
3. In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, season to taste, then add cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
5. Fold in steak tips until well-coated, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.