Introduction
Cajun Steak Tips in Rigatoni Parmesan Cheese Sauce is a rich, satisfying dish that combines bold spice with creamy indulgence. This recipe brings together tender, well-seasoned steak tips and hearty rigatoni pasta, all coated in a smooth Parmesan cheese sauce that perfectly balances heat and richness. I first made this dish when I wanted something comforting yet exciting, and it instantly stood out as a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. The Cajun seasoning adds smoky warmth and depth, while the Parmesan sauce softens the spice with a velvety finish. Rigatoni is ideal here, as its ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish feels indulgent, filling, and deeply comforting without being complicated to prepare.
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Cajun Steak Tips in Rigatoni Parmesan Cheese Sauce – Bold, Creamy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cajun Steak Tips in Rigatoni Parmesan Cheese Sauce is a bold and creamy pasta dish made with tender Cajun-seasoned steak bites tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with rigatoni—comforting, flavorful, and perfect for hearty dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-size tips
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning, coating well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips and sear until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring until warm.
- Add Parmesan cheese and black pepper, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return cooked rigatoni and steak tips to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Steak tips can be substituted with chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun Fusion
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is bold, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It combines tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cheese sauce, making it ideal for hearty dinners and impressive home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak tips
Steak tips provide tender, juicy bites that absorb Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Rigatoni pasta
Rigatoni holds the creamy sauce well and adds hearty texture.
Cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning delivers smoky heat and bold flavor.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for searing the steak and adds richness.
Butter
Butter forms the base of the Parmesan sauce and adds depth.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the sauce with savory aroma.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
Salt
Salt enhances all flavors and balances the dish.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and contrast.
Red pepper flakes
Red pepper flakes add optional extra heat.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color as a finishing touch.
Directions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Return the steak tips to the skillet and gently fold them into the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is easy to adapt. Chicken or shrimp can replace steak tips for a different protein. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. You can also adjust the Cajun seasoning to control spice levels. For added depth, a small amount of smoked paprika can be included. Gluten-free pasta works well if needed without compromising flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and contains dairy and gluten. It can be adapted with gluten-free pasta and reduced-fat dairy options. Nutritional values vary based on portion size and ingredient choices.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Proper Searing
Cook steak over high heat for the best flavor.
Cheese Melting
Add Parmesan gradually to avoid clumping.
Balanced Heat
Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin or tender steak tips are ideal.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, reduce Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Freshly grated melts best.
Does this reheat well?
Yes, with added liquid.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peppers and mushrooms work well.
Is rigatoni required?
No, penne or ziti are good substitutes.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It is best fresh but reheats well.
What pairs well with this dish?
Garlic bread or a green salad.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream sauces are not ideal for freezing.
Is this good for special occasions?
Yes, it feels indulgent and impressive.
Conclusion
Cajun Steak Tips in Rigatoni Parmesan Cheese Sauce is a bold, creamy, and comforting dish that brings together spice, richness, and hearty texture in every bite. Perfect for satisfying dinners and special meals, this recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple, home-friendly preparation.
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