Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Introduction
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together spicy, tender steak and creamy pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak tips for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Step 3: In the same pot, pour in the heavy cream and heat gently over low heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked steak tips and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak tips in Cajun seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap rigatoni for penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes, tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work well, just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream and cheese?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan-friendly, though the flavor will differ slightly.
PrintCajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
A flavorful and hearty meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This dish combines bold spices with a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1 lb steak tips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheesy Rigatoni
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Steak Tips: Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over all sides of the steak tips to coat thoroughly.
- Cook the Steak Tips: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
- Prepare the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce heat to medium and add the heavy cream. Let it warm gently, stirring occasionally. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Rigatoni and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with the cooked Cajun steak tips. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, let the steak tips rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water if you want to thin the sauce slightly.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, creamy pasta, Cajun seasoning, Parmesan sauce, easy dinner
