Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce 🥩🧀🍝
This dish combines tender, spicy steak tips with creamy, cheesy pasta—a perfect hearty comfort meal with bold Cajun flavor.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Cajun Steak Tips:
- 1 lb steak tips or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Boil rigatoni according to package directions
- Drain and set aside
2. Cook the steak tips
- Season steak pieces with Cajun seasoning
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Sear steak tips 3–5 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness
- Remove steak and set aside
3. Make the cheesy sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter
- Sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant
- Pour in cream and simmer 3–5 minutes
- Stir in Parmesan (and mozzarella, if using) until melted and smooth
- Season with salt and pepper
4. Combine pasta and steak
- Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, stir to coat evenly
- Fold in Cajun steak tips
- Heat 1–2 minutes to meld flavors
5. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple salad
🌟 Tips
- Steak choice: Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin tips work best
- Cajun heat: Adjust seasoning to taste; add a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicier
- Creamy texture: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, heavy cream for richness
- Make-ahead: You can cook pasta and steak separately, then assemble before serving
If you want, I can give a shortcut version for the slow cooker or Instant Pot where the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni sauce cook together for even easier prep 😋
Do you want me to do that?
