If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting, the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. This recipe brings together tender, savory steak tips drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with rigatoni pasta smothered in a rich, creamy cheese blend. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to elevate a weeknight meal into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this incredible dinner that balances savory steak and cheesy pasta. Each element plays a key role, from the fresh garlic that flavors the butter to the creamy cheeses that make the rigatoni unforgettable.
- 1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose tender cuts for juicy and flavorful bites.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the garlic butter sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps in searing the steak tips to a perfect golden crust.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth to the steak seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: Sturdy tubes that hold onto the luscious cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for creamy, stretchy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, umami depth to the sauce.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Creates the silky base of the cheese sauce.
- 1 tbsp butter: For starting the creamy sauce with extra flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor within the cheese sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Rigatoni Perfectly
Start by boiling your rigatoni in salted water until it is al dente, which means just firm to the bite. This texture ensures the pasta holds up beautifully when tossed in the sauce later, so don’t overcook it. Once done, drain and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and season them generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until you get that stunning brown crust that locks in all the juices. Then, reduce the heat to low and add butter along with the minced garlic. Stir so the steak tips soak up the fragrant garlic butter, creating a mouthwatering coating. Remove from heat and set aside for the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add garlic powder plus a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor. Cook this mixture for a few minutes, then gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and decadently rich. This cheese sauce is the heart of the dish and will make your rigatoni irresistibly luscious.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Next, toss your perfectly cooked rigatoni in the cheesy sauce. Make sure each piece is beautifully coated, so every bite is full of creamy cheesiness. This step transforms simple pasta into a heavenly base worthy of the garlic butter steak tips.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Finally, plate the cheesy rigatoni and generously top with those garlic butter steak tips. The combination of tender steak and cheesy pasta looks as amazing as it tastes, making this meal a feast for both your eyes and your palate.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color. These simple touches give your plate a professional finish and enhance the garlic butter flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty dish pairs wonderfully with something light and fresh. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance the richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans also complement the garlicky notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a welcoming dinner party vibe, serve the cheesy rigatoni in shallow bowls with steak tips artfully arranged on top. You could also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch or drizzle a little extra garlic butter around the edges for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will stay rich and the steak will remain tender for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked rigatoni and steak tips separately to maintain the best texture. Wrap each component tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze the cheese sauce with care as reheating it gently is needed to avoid separation.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, warm the steak tips and rigatoni gently in a skillet or microwave. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the steak juicy and the pasta perfectly saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While steak tips are perfect for their tenderness, other cuts like sirloin or tenderloin work well too, just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The components store and reheat well, making it a fantastic option for meals ahead. Keep steak and pasta separate if possible to maintain texture.
Can I substitute a different type of pasta?
Yes, though rigatoni is ideal for holding onto the sauce, other tubular pastas like penne or ziti will also work beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when searing the steak or stirring some hot sauce into the cheese sauce can add a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
For a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and less butter, but keep in mind that some of the creaminess will be reduced.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of juicy steak doused in garlic butter with pasta swimming in a cheesy sauce to lift your meal to new heights. I promise the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe will become one of your go-to dishes whenever you want something hearty and delicious with simple ingredients. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every sumptuous bite!
