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A serving of Cajun steak tips with cheesy rigatoni pasta on a plate.

Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Three-Cheese Rigatoni

This recipe features tender sirloin steak tips seasoned with Cajun spice, served alongside creamy rigatoni pasta coated in a luxurious three-cheese sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 850 kcal

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.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the steak tips in Cajun seasoning and a splash of olive oil for at least 30 minutes before searing. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to match your desired spice level. The sauce is best served immediately, as it can thicken considerably upon cooling. If reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.