Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce are an absolute game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation. Imagin extracte tender, perfectly seasoned steak tips, boasting that signature Cajun kick, nestled amongst al dente rigatoni pasta, all bathed in a luxuriously creamy and ridiculously flavorful Parmesan sauce. What’s not to love? This dish captures the heart and soul of comforting Italian-American cuisine with a bold, spicy twist that will have everyone at your tgin extracte begging for seconds. It’s the kind of meal that feels both incredibly decadent and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones. The magic lies in the harmonious blend of textures and tastes – the slight chew of the rigatoni, the succulent bite of the steak, and the velvety richness of the sauce. Prepare to fall in love with these Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
Preparing the Steak Tips
To begin extract crafting our delightful Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce, let’s first focus on the star protein. Take your 1 lb of steak tips, ensuring they are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This even cutting will guarantee that each piece cooks at the same rate, preventing any from being overcooked or undercooked. In a medium bowl, toss the steak tips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This initial seasoning is crucial for infusing the steak with that signature Cajun flavor from the start. Allow the seasoned steak tips to marinate at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes whilgin extractou begin preparing the other components. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.
Cooking the Rigatoni and Building the Sauce Base
While the steak tips are marinating, it’s time to get our pasta and sauce base going. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 10 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it; it shouldn’t be mushy. Before draining the pasta, it’s a good culinary practice to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold and will help emulsify our sauce, making it extra creamy and helping it adhere beautifully to the rigatoni. Drain the rigatoni and set it aside.
Now, let’s start building our luscious sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
Searing the Cajun Steak Tips
With our pasta water ready and sauce base initiated, it’s time to introduce the perfectly seasoned steak tips. Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the steak. If you used a skillet for the sauce base, wipe it clean and return it to medium-high heat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated steak tips in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the steak to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. If necessary, cook the steak in batches. Sear the steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their thickness and your desired level of doneness. We’re aiming for a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once seared, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate, leaving any rendered fat and flavorful bits in the pan.
Creating the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Now we combine the elements for a truly decadent sauce. Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium-low. Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits from the steak and garlic; these bits are packed with flavor and will enrich our sauce. Let the cream gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Gradually whisk in the 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s smooth and fully incorporated into the cream. Continue to stir gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning if desired. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combining and Finishing the Dish
The final stage of our culinary creation brings everything together in harmonious deliciousness. Add the cooked and drained rigatoni pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the velvety sauce. Now, return the seared Cajun steak tips to the skillet with the sauced pasta. If you’re using the optional cheese, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese over the top of the rigatoni and steak tips. Cover the skillet for a minute or two to allow the optional cheese to melt, creating an even more indulgent dish. Gently stir everything together until the steak tips are warmed through and the optional cheese is beautifully melted and integrated. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion gets a generous serving of both the sauced rigatoni and the flavorful Cajun steak tips.
Conclusion:
And there you have it – the ultimate guide to creating a truly unforgettable plate of Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce! We’ve walked through each step, from perfectly searing those flavorful steak tips to achieving that luxuriously creamy and cheesy rigatoni sauce. This dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, guaranteed to impress your family and friends, or simply to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home. The tender, spice-kissed steak tips meld beautifully with the al dente rigatoni, all enveloped in a rich, Parmesan-forward sauce that’s utterly addictive. Don’t be afraid to dive in and make this recipe your own!
For serving, I love to garnish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan cheese. A crisp, green salad on the side cuts through the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick, or perhaps some sautéed mushrooms and onions for added depth of flavor. The beauty of Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce lies in its adaptability. Experiment with your favorite pasta shape if rigatoni isn’t readily available, or even try different cuts of steak for a variation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce ahead of time?
While the sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated gently, it’s best to cook the steak tips just before serving for optimal tenderness. The rigatoni is also best cooked fresh. You can prep all your ingredients, like chopping the steak and vegetables, ahead of time to speed up the cooking process on the day.
What kind of steak is best for Cajun Steak Tips?
For the best results in this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce, I recommend using a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon. Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) for even cooking. Ensure the steak is at room temperature before searing for a beautiful crust.
Is this dish spicy?
The “Cajun” aspect comes from the spice blend, which typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. The heat level can be adjusted by the amount of cayenne pepper you use. You can also add a pinch of extra cayenne or red pepper flakes to the finished sauce if you prefer it spicier.
Cajun Beef Tips Rigatoni Parmesan – Creamy Cheesy Dinner
A rich and creamy rigatoni pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned beef tips and a decadent Parmesan cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Step 1
In a medium bowl, toss beef tips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. -
Step 2
Cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside. -
Step 3
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. -
Step 4
Wipe skillet clean, return to medium-high heat with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear seasoned beef tips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove beef and set aside. -
Step 5
Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and incorporated. Adjust seasoning as needed. -
Step 6
Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. Return beef tips to the skillet. If using, sprinkle mozzarella or Fontina cheese over the top, cover for 1-2 minutes to melt. Stir gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.