If you are searching for a dish that perfectly marries rich, savory flavors with creamy comfort, look no further than this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that combines tender, garlicky steak bites with lush cheese-coated rigatoni, creating a delightful symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a casual dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to make your kitchen smell irresistible and your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building flavor, richness, and the perfect texture. From the juicy steak tips to the silky cheese sauce, these simple components come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.
- 1 lb steak tips: Bite-sized pieces of tender, flavorful beef that make the perfect protein base.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Brings a creamy, rich fat that enhances both the steak and sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic, savory depth.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the steak to a beautiful caramelized crust.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the steak’s flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the meat and the pasta sauce perfectly.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey cheesy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor to balance the creaminess.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: The base of the luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds extra richness to the cheese sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the sauce for layered taste.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your rigatoni in plenty of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. This means the pasta will have just the right amount of bite—not too soft, not too firm—so it holds up beautifully when tossed in the creamy sauce later. Once done, drain it carefully and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Tips
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak tips generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear them in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes per side, allowing a lovely golden crust to form. Then, reduce the heat to low, add the butter and minced garlic, and stir everything so the steaks become glossy and infused with that heavenly garlic butter flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and set the steak aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in garlic powder, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir and let it cook gently for a couple of minutes before gradually folding in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce that’s rich and comforting.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Next, toss the cooked rigatoni in the cheese sauce until each piece is fully coated with the luscious creaminess. This step is crucial because you want every bite bursting with cheesy goodness that clings perfectly to the rigatoni’s ridges.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate a generous mound of cheesy rigatoni, then crown it with those beautiful garlic butter steak tips. This final presentation brings together all the flavors and textures for a meal that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or a little extra Parmesan cheese on top. These garnishes brighten up the dish visually and enhance its flavor with a subtle herbal contrast that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty centerpiece with something light and crisp, like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. These sides provide balance and refresh the palate between the luscious bites of steak and cheesy rigatoni.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak tips and rigatoni in mini cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins. This makes the dish feel extra special and keeps everything warm longer. Alternatively, you could layer it in a shallow casserole and top with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunchy crust if you want to bake it briefly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days without losing much of its deliciousness, making a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for longer, freeze the rigatoni and steak tips separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. This helps preserve the texture of both components, as mixing them before freezing can sometimes affect the sauce’s creamy consistency. Frozen portions will last for up to two months.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the components gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta to help restore the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the steak tips from becoming tough and the cheese sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While steak tips are ideal for their tenderness and size, sirloin or flank steak cut into smaller pieces will also work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid over or undercooking.
Is this dish very high in calories?
This recipe is indulgent with its butter, cream, and cheese, so it’s rich and satisfying. However, portion control and pairing it with light sides can help balance the meal without feeling too heavy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the rigatoni for a gluten-free pasta alternative. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and everything else remains the same.
What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe?
A bold red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the garlic butter steak excellently, while a creamy Chardonnay can enhance the cheesy pasta beautifully.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in the sauce?
For a lighter option, you might try half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce could be less rich and creamy. Heavy cream provides the best texture and mouthfeel for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully prepared, can create a meal that feels truly special. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, celebrations, or anytime you want to treat yourself and others to something unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how those garlic-kissed steak tips paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni become an instant favorite on your dinner table.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Tips paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This recipe features tender seared steak bites in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, combined with a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese enveloping perfectly cooked rigatoni. Ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner, it brings together a mix of bold spices, creamy textures, and savory satisfaction in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheesy Rigatoni
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak Tips: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak tips with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Reduce heat to low, add butter and minced garlic, stirring so the steak tips get well coated in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure all pasta pieces are coated evenly with the cheesy mixture.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the cheesy rigatoni onto serving plates and top generously with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder in the steak butter, and garlic powder for the sauce adds a smooth, mellow garlic flavor.
- Allow the steak tips to rest briefly after cooking for juicier results.
- Feel free to swap rigatoni with penne or ziti pasta, which also hold sauce well.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper to balance the cheese and butter richness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten the meal.
