Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves the combination of juicy, seared steak and creamy pasta. The steak tips are perfectly bronzed with garlic butter, then tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fork-tender rigatoni in a dreamy, velvety sauce. Every bite is rich, savory, and just a little bit indulgent—making this dish a showstopper for weeknight suppers or special gatherings. If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and downright soul-satisfying, this is the recipe that’ll win you over, guaranteed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is its straightforward ingredient list. Each item not only adds to the flavor, but also plays a role in building those luxurious textures and colors that make the dish irresistible.
- Strip steaks: Choose well-marbled steaks for the juiciest, most flavorful steak tips.
- Olive oil: A quick sear in olive oil adds robust flavor and helps the steak brown beautifully.
- Butter: Butter enriches the steak tips and gives the sauce its luscious, creamy base.
- Minced garlic: Don’t skimp—the garlic infuses every element with aromatic warmth.
- Chicken broth: This helps deglaze the pan and adds savoriness to the sauce without overpowering.
- Heavy cream: Essential for a velvety, ultra-creamy sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan melts into the cream to create that cheesy, deeply savory goodness.
- Rigatoni pasta: The tube shape is perfect for catching all that rich sauce and bits of steak.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch wakes up the sauce with the right hint of heat.
- Oregano: An herbal note that keeps the flavors bright and balanced.
- Thyme: Another aromatic layer that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheesy elements.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their tart-sweet intensity takes the whole dish up a notch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions—usually about 11 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Cooking the pasta just right is key since you want it to hold up to the creamy sauce without turning mushy.
Step 2: Sear the Strip Steaks
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your strip steaks liberally with salt, pepper, and a dusting of oregano and thyme. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steaks and let them sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side to achieve that gorgeous crust. This not only locks in the juices but also builds the savory foundation of the dish. Once done, let the steaks rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized tips.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—the brown bits are pure flavor!), lower the heat and add the butter. When it starts to bubble, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds. Stir gently and inhale—you’ll know why Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is so addictive. The aroma alone is irresistible!
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any crispy bits left from cooking the steak. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and swirl together into a beautifully smooth sauce. This step ensures that every flavor layer is melded perfectly—from savory steak to creamy, garlicky comfort.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Now it’s time to rain in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is thick, glossy, and cheesy beyond belief. Slide in your sun-dried tomatoes for a hit of tangy sweetness that balances the savory richness of the dish.
Step 6: Combine Everything and Finish
Toss in the sliced steak tips and cooked rigatoni. Use tongs to gently mix everything so the sauce blankets every noodle and piece of steak. Give it a moment on the heat to warm through, then hit it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add just the right hint of heat. The result? A pan full of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley brightens the plate, while a final flourish of shaved Parmesan adds a salty, creamy finish. For a little extra zing, grind some black pepper over the top or even add a few more red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. These simple garnishes make the colors pop and the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
One of the best parts about serving Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is how versatile it is with sides. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or a loaf of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, pile the pasta high in individual shallow bowls, nestle the steak tips artfully on top, and drizzle some extra sauce around the sides. If you’re entertaining, you can serve it family-style in a big, rustic platter for everyone to dig into together—a dramatic centerpiece that invites seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, you’re in for a treat the next day! Store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, so the pasta is even more flavorful after a rest.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. When you want to reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, gently reheat Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, until everything is hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strip steaks deliver a great balance of tenderness and flavor, sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon work beautifully for steak tips. Just adjust the searing time based on thickness.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly lighter and less rich. For an extra-luxurious texture, stick to heavy cream whenever possible.
What if I don’t have rigatoni?
No problem! Penne, ziti, or any sturdy pasta shape with nooks and crannies will catch the sauce nicely and give you similar results.
Are sun-dried tomatoes essential?
They’re highly recommended for their intense, tangy-sweet boost, but if you don’t have them, try a handful of cherry tomatoes sautéed in the garlic butter for a fresh alternative.
Can Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure any store-bought broths or seasonings are certified gluten-free. The rest of the dish remains naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that one pasta dish that tastes like a warm hug, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is going to knock your socks off. It’s creamy, savory, and just a bit decadent—yet simple enough for any home cook to tackle. Treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table) to this dish soon. You’ll see why it’s such a favorite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delectable dish of garlic butter steak tips served with creamy cheesy rigatoni pasta. A perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 strip steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta
- Red pepper flakes
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Steak: Season and sear the steaks in olive oil until cooked to your liking, then let them rest.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add broth and cream, simmer, then whisk in Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Combine: Toss sliced steak and rigatoni with the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or additional ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak Tips, Cheesy Rigatoni, Pasta Recipe, Italian Cuisine, Main Course
