Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni (Print)
Spicy Cajun-seasoned steak tips tossed with rigatoni in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce for a hearty, flavorful meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Proteins
01 -
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Pasta
02 -
10 oz rigatoni pasta
→ Dairy
03 -
1 cup heavy cream
04 -
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 -
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
06 -
2 tbsp butter, divided
→ Aromatics
07 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Seasonings
08 -
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
09 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
10 -
1 tbsp olive oil
# Directions:
01 -
Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 -
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
03 -
Return the skillet to medium heat and add remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
04 -
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until completely melted. If using, add mozzarella or Fontina cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
05 -
Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Gently fold in seared steak tips.
06 -
Plate immediately, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, marinate the steak tips in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
02 -
The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so serve immediately for best results.