Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

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If you’re looking for the kind of dinner that feels like a decadent night out but is secretly simple to pull together, Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce might just be your next obsession. This dish is the definition of comfort food, built around juicy steak bites pan-seared in garlic butter and tossed with rigatoni pasta drenched in a velvety, indulgent four-cheese sauce.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way the crispy sear of the steak pairs with the creamy tang of the cheeses. It hits every note you want in a cozy meal — rich, hearty, savory, and a little bit luxurious without being fussy. You won’t need a special occasion to crave it again.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

This recipe is the best of both worlds: comfort and elegance. The garlic butter infuses the steak with an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor. The four-cheese sauce is creamy and luscious, coating every ridge of rigatoni perfectly. Even better? It all comes together in under an hour, making it great for weeknights or an impressive date night dinner at home.

Plus, the four cheeses melt together into a sauce that’s smooth and full-bodied. Add in a good pasta shape like rigatoni and you’ve got bite after bite of texture and flavor. It’s a recipe that never gets boring.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for This Pasta Dish?

You want something tender with good marbling. Ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak work beautifully here. The key is to slice it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and stays juicy. You could even use leftover grilled steak from the night before, but searing it fresh in that garlic butter is what truly sets this recipe apart.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

The ingredients in this dish come together for bold, creamy, and rich flavor. Each one plays a unique role in building the final experience.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Ribeye or sirloin steak
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fontina cheese
• Cream cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

The combination of four cheeses makes the sauce extra rich and velvety. Rigatoni holds onto all that creaminess thanks to its ridges, and the steak seared in butter gives the whole dish a savory punch that brings it all together.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build the Four-Cheese Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the garlic butter, stirring gently. Once warm, begin adding the cheeses one at a time: cream cheese, mozzarella, fontina, and finally parmesan. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the rigatoni and steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for a minute to meld the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

This rich and indulgent dish feeds about 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. Serve it piping hot right from the skillet or in warm bowls so the sauce stays creamy.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to a skillet over low heat and stir gently until warmed through. The cheese sauce will loosen and become creamy again without separating.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A classic side to any cheesy pasta dish, garlic bread adds crunch and extra garlicky goodness.

Simple Arugula Salad

Balance the richness with a peppery salad dressed in lemon and olive oil.

Roasted Broccoli

Its slight bitterness complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Slightly sweet and tangy, these roasted sprouts add variety and earthiness.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Refreshing and light, it helps cut through the richness of the pasta.

Red Wine

A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with the steak and cheese.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms echo the umami flavors of the steak and cheese and bring even more depth.

Crispy Fried Onions

Sprinkle a handful on top for added crunch and savory contrast.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce, you’re definitely going to enjoy these other creamy and savory pasta creations from Luna Meals:

• Try the comforting twist of our Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a cozy, garlicky classic.

• Add a lighter creamy vibe with our Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak, perfect for steak pasta nights.

• Dive into cheesy goodness with Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for another decadent favorite.

• Explore the Cajun route with the flavor-packed Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for a little spice in your pasta life.

• Go bolder with our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna that layers richness in every bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with sirloin or ribeye? Maybe you added mushrooms or a little truffle oil? I’d love to hear what twist you added to make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and weeknight meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dinner ideas.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The combination of tender steak, aromatic garlic butter, and a rich cheese sauce makes this dish feel indulgent yet effortless. Whether you’re making it for family or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe worth repeating again and again.

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