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Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni Parmesan sauce plated in a white bowl with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Tender Cajun-seasoned seared steak tips tossed with thick rigatoni in a rich, silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. An impressive dinner ready in about 40 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb steak tips sirloin or ribeye, cut into even bite-sized cubes, patted dry
  • 10 oz rigatoni pasta dry
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated from a block, not pre-shredded
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese optional
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water scooped out before draining pasta

Equipment

  • Heavy skillet or cast iron pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season all sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams and subsides. Add steak in a single layer without crowding and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside uncovered.
  2. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup pasta water and set aside in a small bowl. Drain pasta.
  3. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just turning golden at the edges. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Remove skillet from burner for 30 seconds then stir in Parmesan off direct heat until fully melted and smooth. Return to low heat. Add mozzarella or Fontina if using. Season with salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
  5. Add drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach desired consistency. Gently fold in steak tips to warm through. Plate immediately topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

Notes

Pat steak dry before searing for maximum crust. Scoop pasta water BEFORE draining. Always add Parmesan off direct heat to prevent sauce from breaking. Use freshly grated Parmesan only. Not freezer-friendly. Reheat on stovetop over low heat with 2 to 3 tablespoons of cream.