If there’s one dish that brings pure comfort and a touch of restaurant-worthy luxury to your own kitchen, it has to be Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This is the kind of meal you whip up when you want to impress friends, treat your family or just reward yourself after a long day. Tender steak tips, infused with garlicky butter, nestle into creamy, cheesy rigatoni for a combination that’s meltingly rich, savory, and satisfying in every bite. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving this cozy, flavor-packed pasta night after night!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni lies in simple pantry staples and a few standout ingredients. Each one pulls its weight in creating those crave-worthy textures and bold flavors you’ll remember long after dinner.
- Steak Tips: Choose lean, bite-sized steak pieces for maximum tenderness and juiciness in every forkful.
- Garlic: Four cloves provide deep, aromatic flavor that sets the tone for the whole dish.
- Butter: Rich, creamy butter is the backbone of both the garlic sauce and the steak’s luscious finish.
- Salt & Pepper: These basics heighten every other flavor—don’t skimp!
- Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon adds herby complexity and a subtle Mediterranean vibe.
- Rigatoni Pasta: Rigatoni’s ridges capture every drop of creamy sauce—no other shape does it quite like this.
- Heavy Cream: Brings lavish silkiness to the cheese sauce for that impossible-to-resist texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Go for shredded mozzarella for maximum melt and gooeyness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Lends a sharp, nutty background note that rounds everything out.
- Milk: Lightens the cream sauce just enough so it coats rather than overwhelms the pasta.
- Fresh Parsley: For a burst of color and freshness, chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni
Kick things off by cooking your rigatoni according to the package directions. While the pasta bubbles away, you’re building the backbone of this dish—tender noodles ready to soak up every bit of creamy, cheesy sauce. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later!
Step 2: Season the Steak
Before you even hit the skillet, sprinkle those steak tips generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This little step is big on results—the seasoning forms a tasty crust during searing and ensures each bite is deeply flavorful.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips
In a sturdy skillet, melt half of the butter and get things nice and hot. Add the steak tips in a single layer, letting them sizzle undisturbed for a glorious brown crust. Sear them to your desired doneness (a quick sear keeps them juicy), then scoop them out and keep them warm. You’ll want all those pan juices to flavor the next step.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Toss the rest of your butter into the same skillet and let it melt, scraping up the browned bits. Add the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant. The buttery, garlicky aroma is your signal—this is the moment the whole kitchen starts smelling irresistible.
Step 5: Start the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking to blend everything into a lush, silky base. Keep the heat low and let it simmer gently, taking care not to let it boil. This forms the dreamy, creamy river your rigatoni will soon dive into.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Now pile in the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, stirring until they melt into luscious ribbons. The sauce becomes thick, bubbly, and enticingly cheesy—the kind that clings to every tube of rigatoni.
Step 7: Add the Rigatoni
Toss your cooked rigatoni right into the skillet, using tongs or a big spoon to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. If it looks too thick, that reserved pasta water will help you get the perfect consistency.
Step 8: Bring Back the Steak
Slide those juicy steak tips (and any resting juices) back into the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the flavors mingle and the steak warm through. This is when Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni fully comes to life!
Step 9: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley and a shower of extra parmesan over the top for a burst of color and a final punch of flavor. Serve it up piping hot!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Garnishes
For that restaurant-worthy finish, go heavy on the fresh parsley and a dusting of grated parmesan right at the table. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or even a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots brings both crunch and a pop of savory flavor.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a hearty main, but it really shines next to some bright, fresh sides. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread, or roasted broccoli for a bit of green. The freshness makes every forkful of cheesy pasta and steak taste even better!
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the family-style skillet! Plate portions in shallow bowls for a cozy bistro vibe, or spoon the pasta onto a serving platter and pile the steak tips on top for a gorgeous centerpiece. For parties, try spooning the pasta into individual ramekins and broiling with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—just remember that pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze just the steak tips and sauce; cook fresh pasta when ready to serve. Place cooled steak and sauce in a freezer-safe container, label with the date, and enjoy within 2 months for peak flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, use a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore sauciness. Stir gently until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring each time to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for the steak tips?
Absolutely! While classic steak tips come from sirloin, you can also use ribeye, strip steak, or even filet mignon for extra tenderness. Just adjust your searing time based on thickness and desired doneness.
What’s the best way to ensure tender steak tips?
High heat and a quick sear are key! Let steak tips come to room temperature before cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan, and resist the urge to overcook. For the juiciest results, aim for medium-rare to medium.
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead of time?
You can prep many elements in advance. Sear and store the steak, make the sauce, and even cook the pasta earlier in the day. Combine everything just before serving to keep the texture and flavor at their best.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Lighten things up by swapping some cream for extra milk, using part-skim mozzarella, and adding sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms. It won’t lose its comforting magic but will be a bit easier on the waistline!
Can this recipe be made gluten free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or penne, and check that your seasonings are gluten-free. The decadent steak and cheese sauce will pair deliciously with any gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sitting down to a plate of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni—it’s the ultimate in weeknight luxury and comfort food coziness. Whether you’re swapping stories around the table or flying solo with a Netflix marathon, give this recipe a try and let it become your new favorite, too!
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