If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm, indulgent hug from the inside out, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. This dish combines tender, juicy steak tips bathed in a savory garlic butter sauce with rigatoni pasta smothered in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have you swooning. Whether it’s a special weeknight treat or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels both luxurious and totally approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting all your ingredients together for this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is simple, yet each component plays a vital role in crafting this rich and flavorful dish. From the perfectly seasoned steak tips to the creamy cheeses, every ingredient brings a splash of flavor, texture, or richness that elevates the entire meal.
- 1 lb steak tips: Choose well-marbled steak tips for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps create that irresistible garlic butter coating.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that bright, aromatic punch.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak sides crisp and brown.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a little warmth to the steak seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The essential flavor enhancers that bring everything together.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto all that cheesy sauce and steak goodness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty stretchiness to the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1 tbsp butter: Enriches the cheesy sauce with extra silkiness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in the sauce for added depth.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the rigatoni until it is perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite and won’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain the rigatoni and set it aside until needed.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Season your steak tips generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, add them to the pan and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust that locks in all the juices. This step is key to achieving tender, flavorful meat.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Coating
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter along with the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak tips. Stir everything together so that each piece of steak is luxuriously coated in the fragrant garlic butter. The gentle heat allows the garlic to infuse the butter without burning, creating a savory sauce that wraps every bite.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce
In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter and sprinkle in the garlic powder to release its aroma. Pour in the heavy cream, then gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring frequently. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce thickens to a rich, velvety consistency that will cling lovingly to the rigatoni.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss the cooked rigatoni into the cheesy cream sauce, making sure each piece is coated with that cheesy goodness. Then gently fold in your garlic butter steak tips so every bite offers a perfect bite of tender meat and creamy pasta. Serve immediately while warm and indulge in this irresistibly comforting meal.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty finish that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also bring a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in individual cast-iron skillets for an inviting, rustic look. Garnish with whole roasted garlic cloves or grilled lemon slices to add a gourmet touch that surprises and delights your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow the dish to cool completely before storing to keep the flavors fresh and the steak tender.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing and reheating, so it’s ideal to consume it within this timeframe for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the steak or sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While steak tips are ideal for tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or ribeye cut into bite-sized pieces can work just as well. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and non-dairy mozzarella and Parmesan. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to keep the sauce creamy.
How spicy is this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the smoked paprika but is not spicy hot. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to bring some heat to the dish.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and season the steak tips earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. Also, cook the rigatoni in advance and reheat gently when assembling to save time.
What’s the best wine pairing for this meal?
A medium-bodied red, like a Merlot or a Zinfandel, complements the savory steak and cheesy sauce perfectly. For white wine lovers, a buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creaminess of this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration of flavor and comfort all in one plate. Its perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, and savory elements makes it a standout meal that you’ll want to make again and again. I invite you to give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe combines tender, seared steak bites smothered in a rich garlic butter and creamy cheesy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s an indulgent and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a comforting dinner that merges hearty steak flavors with luscious Italian-inspired pasta goodness.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Cheesy Sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the steak and sauce.
- Sear the steak tips: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak tips with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
- Add garlic butter to steak: Reduce the heat to low, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring continuously to coat the steak tips in flavorful garlic butter. Once coated, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the cheesy sauce: In another pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic powder followed by the heavy cream, stirring well. Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Combine pasta and steak: Toss the cooked rigatoni pasta into the cheesy sauce, ensuring all pasta is well-coated. Gently fold in the garlic butter steak tips so every bite is rich with both steak and cheese flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni warm as a decadent main dish perfect for sharing.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality steak tips and freshly minced garlic.
- Adjust seasoning levels to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal to hold up in the sauce.
- You can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes such as penne or ziti.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
