Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

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If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that feels gourmet but is secretly easy to pull off, you’re about to fall in love. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce delivers juicy, garlic-seared steak bites next to perfectly cooked rigatoni smothered in a dreamy blend of four melted cheeses. It’s rich, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable.

Each bite balances tender, flavorful steak with creamy, cheesy pasta that’s begging to be twirled onto your fork. This dish is built to impress but simple enough to make on a weeknight. Whether it’s a date night dinner or indulgent Sunday meal, this recipe turns your kitchen into a five-star steakhouse.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

• Rich and indulgent: Loaded with butter, garlic, and four cheeses.
• Hearty and satisfying: You get protein-packed steak and pasta in one plate.
• Perfectly balanced: The robust steak flavor complements the creamy rigatoni beautifully.
• Great for special occasions: Fancy enough for guests but easy enough for any night.
• Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike will scrape their plates clean.

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What Cut of Steak Works Best?

For this recipe, sirloin or ribeye work beautifully. Both cuts are tender and flavorful when seared in garlic butter. If you prefer something leaner, top sirloin is a great choice. Cube your steak into bite-sized chunks so they cook quickly and evenly.

Avoid tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak unless you plan to marinate and slice very thinly. The focus is juicy, buttery steak bites—so start with a cut that stays tender in a hot pan.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

Each ingredient is selected to build rich flavor and silky texture. You’ll love how it all comes together in one irresistible plate:

• Rigatoni Pasta: Its large tubes capture every bit of the four-cheese sauce.
• Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye): Tender and juicy, perfect for garlic butter searing.
• Butter: Infuses richness and helps create that golden sear on the steak.
• Garlic (minced): Key to flavoring both the steak and the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and gives a stringy cheese pull.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty depth and saltiness.
• Fontina Cheese: Buttery and creamy, essential for meltability.
• Cream Cheese: Helps bind the sauce into a creamy, velvety finish.
• Heavy Cream: The rich base that carries all the cheeses.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle for color and freshness.

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How To Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Boil the rigatoni pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Season steak cubes with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sear steak chunks until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Four-Cheese Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until smooth. Slowly mix in mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina, stirring until melted into a thick sauce.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated and glossy.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Serve the cheesy rigatoni topped with warm garlic butter steak. Garnish with chopped parsley for a final touch.

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How to Serve and Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

This dish is best served hot, right after the steak is seared and the cheese sauce is silky and fresh. It feeds about 4 hungry people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a special at-home date night.

To store leftovers, separate the steak and pasta if possible. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta with a splash of cream to bring back the smooth texture. Steak can be reheated gently in a skillet or microwave but is best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate and become grainy.

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What to Serve With This Steak and Rigatoni Dish?

Round out your meal with these delicious, complementary sides:

Roasted Asparagus

Light and slightly crisp, it balances the creamy richness.

Garlic Bread

Golden and buttery—it sops up leftover cheese sauce like a dream.

Arugula Salad

Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette add a fresh contrast.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms pair naturally with seared steak.

Creamed Spinach

Double down on indulgence with this classic steakhouse side.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a fresh, Italian-inspired contrast.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and tangy sprouts bring bold flavor.

A Bold Red Wine

Cabernet or Syrah will complement the steak’s depth perfectly.

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Want More Cheesy Dinner Ideas?

If this cheesy garlic butter steak has you hooked, these recipes will satisfy your next craving too:

• For something hearty and family-style, try the Cheesy Baked Meatball Pasta full of marinara goodness.
• The Creamy Beef and Shells are a go-to comfort food favorite.
• Looking for a spicy beefy twist? Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is unexpected and delicious.
• Steak lovers should also check out our Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a snackable dinner hit.
• Or lighten it up with the popular Creamy Chicken and Zucchini Pasta.

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