Description

This rich and creamy rigatoni in garlic butter parmesan cream sauce topped with juicy Cajun steak tips is an easy recipe that brings serious restaurant-quality flavor to your table. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy date-night meal, or when you just want to indulge in something irresistibly savory and comforting. Packed with bold Cajun seasoning, luscious parmesan cream, and tender steak, this dish is one of those easy dinner ideas you’ll want to make again and again. If you’re looking for dinner ideas, pasta meals, or a hearty food idea, this one’s for you.

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni

1 pound sirloin steak, cubed

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the steak into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Pat them dry, then season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon butter. Sear the steak tips in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and tent with foil.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up the browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

6. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

7. Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

8. Plate the creamy rigatoni and top with the seared steak tips. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan to avoid a grainy sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the steak when searing—work in batches for a perfect crust.

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but watch the heat to avoid curdling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 720
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: easy dinner, pasta ideas, cajun steak, creamy rigatoni, steak and pasta