Description
Get ready to fall in love with this mouthwatering dinner idea! Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips brings bold, smoky heat together with a luscious, creamy pasta sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect easy recipe for a cozy night in, a romantic date night, or a crowd-pleasing family dinner. With tender Cajun-seared steak tips and rigatoni swimming in garlic-Parmesan bliss, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas or crave-worthy comfort food ideas, this creamy pasta and steak combo is an instant win.
Ingredients
250g rigatoni pasta
400g sirloin or tenderloin steak tips
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
4. In a separate skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer, then stir in Parmesan until smooth.
6. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Toss gently and simmer 1 more minute.
7. Serve pasta with steak tips on the side or on top.
8. Garnish with parsley and optional paprika before serving.
Notes
Let the steak rest after searing to lock in juices.
Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 735
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: steak pasta, creamy rigatoni, easy dinner, cajun steak, comfort food