Description
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is the ultimate indulgent dinner idea. Juicy, seared steak basted in rich garlic butter pairs perfectly with creamy, Cajun-spiced rigatoni coated in melted Parmesan and mozzarella. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want easy recipe inspiration that feels gourmet. Whether you’re after easy dinner ideas or a bold comfort food recipe, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients
1 lb ribeye or New York strip steak
10 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat it dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak 3–4 minutes per side. Add butter and minced garlic, then baste for 1–2 minutes. Remove and let rest.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat. Add heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and a bit of Cajun seasoning. Simmer until smooth.
5. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
6. Slice the rested steak and serve alongside the creamy pasta. Drizzle with leftover garlic butter and garnish with parsley or chives.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, meltier sauce.
Always let your steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 870
- Fat: 52
- Saturated Fat: 26
- Unsaturated Fat: 23
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 160
Keywords: steak pasta, creamy cajun, garlic butter steak, dinner ideas, easy recipe