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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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.