Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Get ready to spice up your dinner table with this mouthwatering Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This dish beautifully combines tender steak tips seasoned with vibrant Cajun spices and creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, leaving them coming back for seconds.
What makes this dish truly special is its rich, comforting nature paired with a kick of Cajun heat that elevates it from your average pasta meal. With its hearty ingredients and the delightful blend of textures, it’s a recipe that offers both satisfaction and warmth—perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something filling and delicious. Readers will love that it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a taste of the South to your kitchen!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
The ingredients are ready for a delightful culinary adventure!
Directions
- Season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the seasoned steak tips until they are nicely browned and cooked to your preference. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and luscious.
- Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine the drained rigatoni with the creamy cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated.
- Return the steak tips back to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your liking.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. If you don’t have steak tips, you can use chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables for a delicious variation.
- Optional Variations: Add sautéed bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture. You could also mix in some spinach for a touch of green.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to revive the creaminess.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen!
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Season generously
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta Cook according to package instructions
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Stir into sauce until melted
- 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to your preference
- Chopped parsley for garnish For serving
Method
- Season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the seasoned steak tips until they are nicely browned and cooked to your preference.
- Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the heavy cream.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and luscious.
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine the drained rigatoni with the creamy cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
- Return the steak tips back to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your liking.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.