Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is one of those soul-satisfying meals that somehow manages to feel both luxurious and comforting in every bite. Picture juicy, golden-seared steak tips soaked in aromatic garlic butter, nestled on top of a mountain of creamy, cheesy rigatoni. The herby notes of thyme and rosemary make the steak so much more than your everyday sauté, while the velvety cheese sauce clings delightfully to every noodle. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long week or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this is the kind of dish that draws everyone to the table.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni so magical is how each carefully chosen ingredient plays a leading role in building flavor and texture. Nothing extra — just essentials, with each one shining bright. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Sirloin steak tips: Tender and flavorful when seared, but you can use ribeye or strip for extra luxury.
Olive oil: For a hot, golden sear without burning, and it serves as a perfect baseline for flavor-building.
Unsalted butter: Lends rich, creamy depth to both steak and sauce and lets you control the saltiness.
Garlic cloves: Four cloves infuse the butter with irresistible aroma and robust flavor.
Fresh thyme & rosemary: These herbs transform the garlic butter into something elegant and earthy.
Salt and black pepper: Never overlook simple seasoning — they brighten up every other ingredient.
Rigatoni pasta: Hearty tubes hold lots of saucy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
All-purpose flour: For making the cheesy roux base ultra-silky and thick.
Whole milk & heavy cream: Their combo builds a creamy, luscious cheese sauce that’s never flat or heavy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gets gooey and stringy, creating ultimate comfort in every forkful.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a tangy, nutty kick — don’t skip this for flavor depth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A spark of heat if you want a gentle spicy edge.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top for color and a pop of brightness to finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni

Start by cooking your rigatoni in a pot of well-salted boiling water. Cook just until al dente, since you want the pasta to hold up under that luscious cheese sauce. Once ready, drain and set aside — but don’t forget to reserve a small cup of pasta water! It works like magic to loosen the sauce if needed later.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Now for the star of the show. Pat your steak tips dry, season generously with salt and pepper, and heat up a skillet with olive oil until shimmering. Lay the steak pieces in a single layer, and let them sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want the outside caramelized and browned, but the inside still juicy. Once they’re cooked to your desired doneness, move the steak tips to a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Dial the skillet down to medium heat, add butter, and once melted, toss in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Stir your mixture for about a minute, until the kitchen is filled with the sweet scent of garlicky herbs. Bring your steak tips back to the skillet and gently toss everything so the steak is glistening with that fragrant butter. Set aside, keeping all those buttery juices.

Step 4: Build the Cheesy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the flour, whisking constantly to make a smooth roux — this is the secret to a creamy, lump-free sauce. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while so everything integrates. Let this simmer until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, then stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, a bit of salt, plenty of pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra zip. The end result? A molten, glossy cheese sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.

Step 5: Combine and Plate

Tip that just-cooked rigatoni into the cheese sauce, stirring so every tube is coated. If the sauce feels a bit stiff, add a splash of your reserved pasta water until it’s nice and saucy. Pile the cheesy rigatoni onto plates, then top with the garlic butter steak tips and a final drizzle of those buttery juices. Shower with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. Now, dig in while everything is hot and melty!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Finish each plate of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni with a shower of fresh parsley, extra Parmesan (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese), and a cracked black pepper. Even a squeeze of lemon over the steak can add an unexpected pop that brightens the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is comfort food, so pair it with sides that provide a little contrast. Garlicky sautéed green beans or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil keep the meal light and fresh. Warm, crusty bread is a must for mopping up any of those glorious cheesy, garlicky sauces left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic look, or plate family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in. Want extra wow factor? Sprinkle the finished casserole with cheese and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s a showstopper at any dinner party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra, transfer the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni to airtight containers once they’ve cooled. The flavor only deepens as they rest! Store them in the refrigerator and plan to enjoy within 2 to 3 days for best taste and texture.

Freezing

While the cheese sauce is best fresh, you can freeze the rigatoni and steak tips separately if you like. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and try to press out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, but note the sauce may need a little extra milk to regain its creaminess when thawed.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, reheat the rigatoni and steak over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir gently to keep everything creamy. If you prefer the oven, cover with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through. Either way, it’ll taste almost as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

Absolutely! Sirloin is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice, but if you want a more melt-in-your-mouth experience, feel free to splurge on ribeye or strip steak. Just be sure to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries at all. While fresh thyme and rosemary add amazing aroma, you can easily swap in dried herbs. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. A little sprinkle still brings lovely herbal notes to your sauce and steak.

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and use a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce. Everything else remains unchanged, and you’ll get the same decadence in every bite.

How do I add extra veggies?

Sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or caramelized mushrooms can all tuck seamlessly into the cheesy rigatoni or get tossed with the steak tips. They add pops of color and an extra layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Can I prepare this in advance for entertaining?

Yes! Cook the steak and pasta a few hours ahead, and prep the cheese sauce, but wait to combine everything and reheat just before serving. If you want a bubbly, golden top, assemble it in a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and bake right before guests arrive. That way, your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is deliciously melty and fresh for the table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the kind of meal that brings comfort and delivers bold flavor, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is about to become a beloved favorite. I hope you have as much fun making it as you will devouring it. So gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of something tasty, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a plate of pure, cheesy joy!