Dinner plans got you scratching your head? I remember the first time I whipped up these Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. The aroma alone—a tantalizing mix of smoky spices and rich cheese—had my family gathered in the kitchen, forks practically in hand. It’s a dish that manages to be both excitingly flavorful and deeply comforting, making it a perfect pick for those evenings when you want something a little special, but without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to add Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni to your regular rotation:
- Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning on the steak tips brings a wonderful warmth and spice that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a symphony of tastes!
- Hearty & Satisfying: This isn’t a light salad; it’s a robust meal designed to fill you up and leave you completely content.
- Quick to Come Together: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still crave something homemade and delicious.
- Customizable Spice Level: You control the heat! Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your family’s preferences, from a mild kick to a fiery delight.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about tender steak and cheesy pasta, and this dish delivers on all fronts.
- Kid-Approved Potential: While the Cajun seasoning adds a unique twist, the cheesy pasta base is often a hit with younger eaters, especially if you dial down the spice.
- Impressive Yet Easy: It looks and tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s totally achievable in your own kitchen, making it great for casual entertaining.
- Leftovers are Gold: If you’re lucky enough to have any, the flavors meld even further overnight, making for a fantastic lunch the next day.
> “I made this last week, and my husband is still talking about it! The steak tips were so tender, and the cheesy rigatoni was an absolute dream. It’s definitely going into our regular rotation.” – Sarah M.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Creating Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni involves a few straightforward steps that culminate in a truly spectacular meal. First, you’ll get your rigatoni boiling while you season and sear your steak tips to perfection, developing that irresistible crust and juicy interior. Next, you’ll create a rich, cheesy sauce right in the same pan, scraping up all those delicious steak bits to infuse the sauce with extra flavor. Finally, the cooked pasta and steak tips are tossed into that glorious cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness. It’s a seamless process that maximizes flavor and minimizes fuss.
What You’ll Need
To bring this comforting and flavorful dish to life, gather these essential ingredients:
For the Cajun Steak Tips:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions to Follow
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a delicious Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:
- Prep the Steak: In a medium bowl, toss the sirloin steak cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sear the Steak: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. Remove the steak tips from the pan and set aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil.
- Build the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this adds incredible flavor!
- Create Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine & Serve: Add the drained rigatoni and the cooked steak tips back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Garnish (Optional): Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This robust dish really shines on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate the experience. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and steak. A side of crusty garlic bread is also an excellent choice, perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce. And for a touch of freshness, a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Should you be so lucky as to have any of this deliciousness left over, proper storage is key to enjoying it later. Allow the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni to cool completely to room temperature (within two hours of cooking). Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Reheat: For best results, gently reheat portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Freezing is generally not recommended for creamy, cheesy pasta dishes as the sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing and reheating, affecting the texture.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the steak tips, cook them in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and steams the meat instead of searing it, preventing that beautiful brown crust from forming.
- Let the Steak Rest: After searing, setting the steak aside and tenting it with foil allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly grating your cheddar and Parmesan will yield a much smoother, creamier sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water is Your Friend: That starchy pasta water isn’t just for boiling! It’s a secret weapon for sauces, helping to emulsify them and adjust consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before combining everything. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, or even a little extra Cajun seasoning to match your preference.
Creative Twists
While delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to add your own spin to Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even a handful of spinach right before adding the pasta and steak to the sauce.
- Smoky Heat: For an extra layer of smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Cajun seasoning blend or a dash of chipotle powder to the sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a smoked Gouda for different flavor profiles in your cheese sauce.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of steak? This recipe would also work wonderfully with seasoned chicken breast or shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Spicier Kick: If you love the heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the pan with the garlic.
Common Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes, you can! Sirloin is great for its tenderness and flavor, but you could also use flank steak, skirt steak, or even a tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness and type of steak to ensure proper doneness.
What if my cheese sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken. If it’s too thick, gradually add splashes of the reserved pasta water or a little extra broth/milk until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Is this dish very spicy?
A: The spice level is largely dependent on the Cajun seasoning you use. Some blends are quite mild, while others pack a significant punch. You can always start with a smaller amount of seasoning and add more to the steak or even directly to the sauce when you taste it, until it suits your preference.
Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Three-Cheese Rigatoni
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Large pot
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch tips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to your spice preference
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Rigatoni
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese for extra meltiness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Steak
- Pat the steak tips dry and toss them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Sear Steak
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached. Remove and rest, tented with foil.
Cook Rigatoni
- While steak rests, cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Make Cheese Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth, simmer, then add heavy cream and gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add Cheese & Season
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Combine & Serve
- Add cooked rigatoni, seared steak tips, and any accumulated juices to the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.