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
Scale
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.
