Description

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe combines tender, seared steak bites with a rich and creamy cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. The garlic butter enhances the savory flavor of the steak while the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates an indulgent, silky sauce that coats the rigatoni for an irresistible comfort meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Tips

1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Rigatoni

12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Steak Tips: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak tips with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the steak tips to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Make Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to low. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well to coat the steak tips in the garlic butter. Remove the skillet from heat and set the steak tips aside.
Make the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, and add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Add Cheeses: Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the cream mixture while stirring. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheesy sauce and toss gently until every piece of pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
Assemble and Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use high-quality steak tips for the best flavor and tenderness.
Do not overcook the steak tips to keep them juicy and tender.
Feel free to substitute rigatoni with penne or another robust pasta shape that holds sauce well.
For a lighter dish, reduce the heavy cream or use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Leftover steak is best refrigerated and consumed within 2 days.