If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together juicy, tender steak pieces bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with rigatoni pasta swimming in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce. The combination is indulgent yet comforting, creating a beautiful balance between savory steak and melt-in-your-mouth cheesy pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Starting with a handful of simple but essential ingredients ensures that every flavor shines through. Each component plays its part — from the butter that infuses richness, to the smoky paprika that adds depth, to the cheeses that melt into creamy perfection. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- 1 lb steak tips: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: The base of our luxurious garlic butter sauce that coats the steak beautifully.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant, zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak to a gorgeous golden brown without overwhelming the butter’s richness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that complements the garlic and steak.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but crucial to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: The ideal tubular pasta to grab hold of all that wonderful cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted to gooey perfection, providing the silky texture that defines the cheesy rigatoni.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty complexity and beautiful depth to the cheese sauce.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Creates the creamy, luscious base that makes the sauce so irresistibly smooth.
- 1 tbsp butter: Added to the cheese sauce to enrich its texture and flavor even more.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky goodness without overpowering the delicate creaminess.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the rigatoni. Cooking it to al dente ensures that the pasta holds its shape and offers a satisfying bite when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once perfectly cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to be combined later.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Tips
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your steak tips, and season them generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The goal is to get a nice golden-brown crust, so sear the steak tips for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This step locks in the juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, adding the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the steak tips. Stir gently to coat every piece in that fragrant, buttery garlic goodness. The aroma itself will have you eager to dive right in. Once coated, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the garlic powder along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the cream mixture to warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. When the cream is ready, gradually add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return to the rigatoni and gently toss it into your freshly prepared cheese sauce. Take your time mixing until each rigatoni piece is lavishly coated and enveloped in creamy cheesiness. This step is where all the flavors blend and the magic truly happens.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Plate the cheesy rigatoni first, creating a cozy bed for your garlic butter steak tips. Pile the steak tips generously on top, letting any extra garlic butter sauce drizzle over the pasta. This vibrant, rich presentation will have everyone at the table excited for their first bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a pop of color and freshness. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and elevate its visual appeal, making it look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
To complement the richness of the main course, serve with a simple side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp steamed vegetable like asparagus or green beans. These light sides help balance the meal and add a fresh contrast to the creamy, buttery flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, try serving the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni in individual cast iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls. This presentation keeps the dish warm longer and impresses guests with a charming, homestyle feel. You could also add roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms on the side for a colorful finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it cold and sealed helps maintain the flavors and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a great option. Place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the steak juicy and the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for the recipe?
Absolutely! While steak tips are perfect for quick cooking, tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye cut into small pieces also work wonderfully high-heat searing gives you that delicious crust and juicy interior.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is mild with a subtle smoky warmth from the paprika, so it’s family-friendly and easy on the palate. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, full-fat milk combined with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch can help thicken the sauce. Alternatively, half-and-half works but will result in a slightly lighter texture.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the rigatoni for gluten-free pasta of your choice. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt without losing the indulgent flavors.
How do I ensure the steak remains tender and not overcooked?
The key is to sear the steak tips over medium-high heat for just a few minutes per side until browned but still juicy inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan so each piece cooks evenly and retains its tenderness.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food nostalgia with an elegant twist. It’s the kind of meal that feels both special and like a warm, cozy night at home. Once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your collection—a guaranteed way to bring smiles and satisfied appetites to your table. Give it a go, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A decadent and flavorful dish combining tender garlic butter steak tips with creamy, cheesy rigatoni. This recipe balances juicy seared steak bites with a rich mozzarella and Parmesan cheese sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 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
Cheesy Rigatoni
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak Tips: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips, season generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak tips for about 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a browned crust.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce for Steak: Reduce the heat to low, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the steak tips. Stir well to coat the steak pieces in the garlic butter mixture. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, add garlic powder, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir and let cook for 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually whisk in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked rigatoni in the creamy cheese sauce ensuring that every piece is well coated.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the cheesy rigatoni on plates, topping each serving with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the steak tips without overcooking them.
- Feel free to substitute rigatoni with penne or other tubular pasta shapes.
- Adjust seasoning of the sauce to taste, adding more garlic powder or pepper if desired.
- Leftover steak and rigatoni can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
