Cajun Steak Tips & Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce (Print Version)
Tender Cajun steak tips tossed with rigatoni in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. A hearty, flavorful pasta dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Sizzling Cajun Steak
01 -
1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch tips
02 -
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ The Velvety Parmesan Embrace
04 -
12 oz rigatoni pasta
05 -
4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
09 -
1 cup chicken broth
10 -
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Aromatic Foundations & Freshness
13 -
1 tbsp olive oil
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Cut 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak into 1-inch tips. Toss with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the rigatoni pasta, preparing for your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce.
02 -
Add 12 oz rigatoni pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then set the cooked rigatoni aside.
03 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
04 -
Add 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
05 -
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This forms the cheesy base for your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce.
06 -
While the sauce simmers, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate large skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned sirloin steak tips in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
07 -
Add the cooked 12 oz rigatoni pasta to the cheesy Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the seared Cajun steak tips.
08 -
Garnish the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For perfectly seared steak tips, ensure your skillet is very hot and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a beautiful crust and prevent steaming.
02 -
Leftover Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
03 -
Feel free to customize the cheese blend! Smoked gouda or fontina would add another layer of flavor to the sauce. Penne or ziti can also be substituted for rigatoni if preferred.
04 -
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to this rich and satisfying dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
06 -
Grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 1534 kcal
Total Fat: 103 g
Total Carbohydrate: 69 g
Protein: 75 g