Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting cheesy goodness, you have to try this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that just hits every note perfectly—spicy, creamy, savory—and honestly, once you make it, it quickly becomes a family favorite. Stick around because I’m going to share all my tips to help you nail this at home, even if you’ve never cooked steak tips or made a rich cheese sauce before.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that come together to create something truly special. I always recommend using freshly grated Parmesan because it melts so much creamier and gives the sauce that irresistible texture.

• Sirloin or Ribeye Steak: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful steak tips that sear beautifully.
• Rigatoni Pasta: Its hollow tube shape holds the cheesy sauce wonderfully between each bite.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds that signature spicy depth; you can tweak how much depending on your heat preference.
• Unsalted Butter: Used for richness and to sauté garlic and sear the meat without overpowering flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect sear on the steak and balances butter’s richness.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced—garlic adds a warm, aromatic kick to the sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The creamy base that makes this sauce luxuriously smooth and coats every rigatoni perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese (optional): I add this sometimes for extra creaminess and gooeyness, but feel free to skip if you want a lighter sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out all the flavors.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own for different moods and guests. Feel free to play around with spice levels, add your favorite veggies, or even swap out the steak for another protein. This dish really loves your creativity.

• Milder Version: If you’re not big on heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend—you’ll still get those smoky, aromatic flavors without the spice burn.
• With Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes while cooking the sauce for a fresh pop and added nutrients.
• Chicken Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of steak tips if that’s more your style or budget. The sauce pairs just as beautifully!
• Extra Cheesy: Double down on mozzarella and add a little shredded cheddar for a gooey, cheesy explosion that melts hearts (and taste buds) every time.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak Tips

Start by patting your steak cubes dry with paper towels—this helps get a nice crust when searing. Toss them with about a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning so every piece is well-coated. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and half the butter. When that’s sizzling, add the steak tips in a single layer and sear without moving them too much, about 2-3 minutes per side until browned all over. You want that caramelized exterior for flavor depth. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside while you cook the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente—you don’t want it soft because it’ll keep cooking in the sauce. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this magical starchy water helps loosen the sauce later if it’s too thick.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Cheese Sauce

Reduce your skillet heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute—so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, scraping up all those beautiful browned bits from searing the steak tips; that’s where the magic flavor lives! Stir the cream gently and bring it to a light simmer.

Now stir in your Parmesan cheese and mozzarella (if you’re going for extra cheese) bit by bit until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred creamy consistency. Taste and add an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if you want a punchier flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Enjoy!

Finally, add the drained rigatoni and seared steak tips to the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, so each rigatoni tube and steak piece is coated in that luscious cheesy goodness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or green onions—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness. A dusting of extra Parmesan on top never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I often serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to lighten things up. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs perfectly for mopping up leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes plate the steak tips over a bed of the rigatoni instead of mixing it all together, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a fancy touch. You can also bake the assembled dish in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy texture.

Freezing

This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe freezes fairly well, though the pasta might get a touch softer. Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth—stir often until warmed through. The microwave works too, but be sure to add liquid to keep it creamy and avoid drying out the steak tips.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe comes together: quick, full of bold flavor, and downright comforting. When I first tried making steak tips with a creamy cheesy pasta, it felt like a lucky breakthrough that upgraded my weeknight dinners entirely. Now, anytime I want to impress without the fuss, this is my go-to. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—it’s a real crowd-pleaser that’ll have your family asking for seconds (and the recipe) every time. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

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