Description
Craving a bold and creamy dinner that feels indulgent but is easy to whip up? This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce delivers! Tender sirloin steak tips seared to perfection, tossed over cheesy rigatoni swimming in a smoky Cajun Parmesan cream sauce. It’s everything a comforting dinner should be—savory, creamy, spicy, and filling. Perfect for weeknight meals, special occasions, or when you need some indulgent food ideas. This dish fits in with quick dinner recipes, hearty comfort food, and spicy dinner ideas that satisfy both cravings and busy schedules.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized tips
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear steak tips in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
5. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
6. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Add Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
8. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
9. Return steak tips to the skillet and toss gently or serve them over the pasta.
10. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing steak; give each piece space to caramelize properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, steak tips, Cajun pasta, rigatoni, dinner ideas