If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with rich flavors, look no further than this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy steak tips coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce served alongside perfectly al dente rigatoni enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will make your taste buds sing. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the savory allure of steak with the indulgent comfort of cheese-laden pasta, creating a satisfying dinner that’s surprisingly simple to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, bringing together layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe come alive. From the butter’s richness to the smokiness of paprika, and the creamy cheeses that coat the rigatoni, each component is essential.
- 1 lb steak tips: Choose tender cuts and cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness that carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives a bright, aromatic punch—essential for that garlic butter magic.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the steak tips perfectly, locking in juicy goodness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky depth that amps up the steak’s flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basics that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: The tubular shape is perfect for trapping that luscious cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy delight that forms the pasta’s creamy coating.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety base for the cheese sauce.
- 1 tbsp butter: Used to start the sauce; adds extra creaminess and depth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the sauce without overpowering it.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your rigatoni in generously salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. This ensures the pasta has a pleasant bite and won’t become mushy when mixed with the thick cheese sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set aside so it’s ready to be enveloped in creamy goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Tips
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your bite-sized steak tips into the pan and sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak tips for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, letting them develop a savory, caramelized crust that locks in juiciness.
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter
Once the steak is almost cooked through, reduce the heat to low and add butter along with the minced garlic. Stir gently to coat each steak tip in the garlicky, buttery mixture that will elevate the dish’s flavor to a new level. Then, remove the skillet from heat and set the steak aside while you prepare the cheesy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the cream thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Slowly incorporate shredded mozzarella and Parmesan into the cream mixture, stirring consistently until you achieve a smooth, velvety sauce. This creamy cheese blend hugs the rigatoni gorgeously and complements the garlic butter steak tips perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer your cooked rigatoni into the cheesy sauce, tossing well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. This is where the dish truly comes together, blending textures and flavors harmoniously.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Plate a generous helping of the cheesy rigatoni and crown it with the garlic butter steak tips. This satisfying meal instantly looks like a restaurant-worthy masterpiece, ready for you to enjoy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan on top to add a pop of color and a fresh, savory note that brightens the dish. These simple touches bring both visual appeal and an extra dimension of flavor.
Side Dishes
This rich, hearty recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch of a side salad cut through the creamy, indulgent pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the garlic butter steak tips and cheesy rigatoni in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls. You can also layer the pasta and steak in a warm casserole dish and garnish with herbs for a family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 3 to 4 days. The steak will stay tender, and the pasta remains creamy, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Store portions in freezer-safe containers, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the pasta and steak separately so you can reheat them evenly without sacrificing texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. This will refresh the creamy texture and keep everything tasting just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While steak tips work wonderfully due to their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can substitute sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin as long as you cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the cheese sauce?
If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream works but will slightly change the flavor profile.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the smoked paprika, which mainly adds smokiness rather than heat. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like some kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the rigatoni for a gluten-free pasta variety, and double-check your ingredients to ensure all others are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe?
A medium-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or Merlot complements the steak beautifully without overpowering the creamy pasta. If you prefer white, a buttery Chardonnay pairs nicely with the rich cheese sauce.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is like giving your taste buds a warm hug. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy night but special enough to impress family or friends. Trust me, once you try this combination of tender steak and creamy, cheesy pasta, it’s going to become one of your go-to comfort meals for life. Give it a shot—you won’t be disappointed!
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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 flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Tips paired perfectly with creamy Cheesy Rigatoni in this indulgent 35-minute recipe. Tender steak bites seared in garlic butter sit atop al dente rigatoni tossed in a luscious blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and creamy garlic sauce, making it an ideal meal for a comforting dinner.
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 and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain 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 to the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Make Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to low, add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with steak tips. Stir constantly to coat the meat thoroughly in the garlic butter. Once fragrant and well combined, remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and allow to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture, stirring continuously until smooth, creamy, and fully melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained rigatoni in the cheesy sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated, making sure the sauce clings well to the pasta.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni first, then top generously with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and freshly grated cheeses.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak tips; they should remain tender and juicy.
- If the cheese sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or cream.
- Use salted water for cooking pasta to enhance its flavor.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and freshness but is optional.
