If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy steak tips cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with rigatoni smothered in a dreamy, cheesy cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent yet comforting, making it an absolute weeknight winner or a standout for casual dinner gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating magic in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role, from delivering rich flavors to providing that irresistible creamy texture and the vibrant aroma that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Steak tips (1 lb): Choose sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for searing the steak and building a flavorful base.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds an aromatic punch that’s key to the garlic butter sauce’s deliciousness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Provides richness and helps create that luscious, silky sauce.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Brings a fragrant earthiness that complements the steak.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped, optional): Adds subtle herbal notes for depth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Rigatoni pasta (1 lb): Its tube shape traps the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, velvety base for the cheesy rigatoni.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Melts perfectly to provide gooey, stringy cheese goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds sharpness and umami to balance the creamy sauce.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, for garnish): A fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick to brighten the rich flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the rigatoni until it’s al dente according to package instructions—this ensures it has just the right bite to hold up against the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it’s gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Tips
While your pasta is cooking, season those steak tips generously with salt and pepper. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add your steak tips. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side for a wonderfully seared crust and juicy interior. Remove from the pan and set aside, keeping all those flavorful brown bits in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes—to avoid any bitterness. Add the remaining butter, along with fresh rosemary and thyme if you’re using them, and stir everything together for another minute to meld those rich, herby notes into the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Steak and Pasta
Now, return the steak tips to the skillet, gently stirring to coat each piece in the garlic butter goodness. Add the cooked rigatoni to the pan along with the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Toss everything together carefully, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach that perfect creamy, saucy texture that clings to every rigatoni tube and steak bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Give the dish a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper, or even sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a touch of freshness and color. Serve immediately for a meal that feels like a celebration in every mouthful.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is the classic way to brighten the whole dish visually and flavor-wise. For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can turn this meal from tasty to unforgettable. These simple garnishes add that final polish that makes your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
To balance the richness of the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe, think light and fresh sides. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add vibrant color and a bit of crunch, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving this dish right in the skillet it was cooked in—that rustic, comfy vibe is a crowd-pleaser. Or plate each serving with a twirl of rigatoni topped with a steak tip, finished with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce. For a fun twist, try baking the assembled cheesy rigatoni with steak tips in a casserole dish for a bubbly, golden top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week. The flavors continue to meld, so it often tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to separate the steak tips and rigatoni sauce in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor without the cheese becoming grainy.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, making sure not to overcook the steak so it stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like flank or strip steak—just be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the rigatoni for a gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the dish remains delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to keep the steak juicy and the rigatoni perfectly coated.
What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I don’t have them?
Dried rosemary and thyme work in a pinch—use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs really elevate the flavor, so use them when possible.
How do I know when the steak tips are perfectly cooked?
Cooking times vary depending on thickness and your preferred doneness, but 3 to 4 minutes per side typically brings steak tips to medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer if you want precision—135°F for medium-rare and 145°F for medium.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises hearty satisfaction and plenty of smiles around the table. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a trusted favorite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a decadent and flavorful dish combining tender, pan-seared steak tips in a rich garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Steak and Sauce
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rigatoni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set both aside.
- Prepare the Steak Tips: Season the steak tips generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steak tips and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they reach your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, chopped rosemary, and thyme if using, and cook for an additional minute while stirring to combine the flavors.
- Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the cooked steak tips to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Add the cooked rigatoni, then pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Toss all ingredients together gently, adding the reserved pasta water gradually to reach a creamy, desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh bite and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For best results, use tender cuts of steak like sirloin or ribeye.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the garlic butter flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Add red pepper flakes to taste for a subtle spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
