Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

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When comfort food meets indulgence, this rigatoni in garlic butter parmesan cream sauce with Cajun steak tips is what you get. It’s creamy, spicy, savory, and so satisfying. Each bite wraps you in luscious sauce, perfectly seared steak, and the bold kick of Cajun spices.

This dish brings together the richness of cream and butter with the deep umami of parmesan and garlic, creating a luxurious base that clings to every rigatoni tube. Add to that the smoky char of Cajun-seasoned steak tips, and you have a meal that feels like a cozy night in a fancy steakhouse—right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

You’ll fall hard for the creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta without feeling heavy. The Cajun steak tips add a punchy contrast of flavor, keeping things exciting and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend dinner or treating guests, this recipe is an instant showstopper. Plus, it all comes together faster than you’d think.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak for the Cajun Tips?

Absolutely. While sirloin or ribeye delivers juicy and tender results, flank steak or even New York strip can work well. The key is to slice the steak into small bite-sized pieces, season generously with Cajun spice, and sear quickly over high heat to lock in flavor. No matter the cut, don’t skip the rest period after cooking—it keeps the juices where they belong: in your steak tips.

Ingredients for the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

This recipe brings a restaurant-style flair to your home kitchen with a handful of staple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building a sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and cheesy, with tender bites of spiced steak crowning the dish.

• Rigatoni
• Cajun seasoning
• Steak tips (sirloin or ribeye)
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional)

How To Make the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Cajun Steak Tips

In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Toss the steak tips in Cajun seasoning and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute until fragrant and golden. Avoid browning the garlic to keep its flavor mellow.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and bring all the flavors together. Let the cream simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan

Lower the heat and slowly stir in grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss in the cooked rigatoni and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Top with the rested Cajun steak tips and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the layers of bold, creamy, and spicy flavor in every bite.

How to Serve and Store Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

This hearty pasta dish is best served fresh off the stove while the sauce is still velvety and warm. Pile it high on a shallow pasta bowl or dinner plate and top generously with those juicy Cajun steak tips. A final scatter of fresh parsley or extra parmesan makes it feel special.

Leftovers are still delicious the next day. Store any remaining pasta and steak separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess. The steak can be quickly rewarmed in a hot skillet to keep it from drying out.

This recipe comfortably serves 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or an indulgent double date night.

What to Serve With Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips?

Garlic Bread with Cheese

A classic choice that helps scoop up every bit of creamy sauce.

Crisp Caesar Salad

The freshness and tang of Caesar dressing balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

A little green veg adds both color and crunch, and oven-roasting brings out their best flavor.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and slightly acidic, these pair well with the creamy and spicy notes of the dish.

Lemon Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms work well with the garlic butter sauce and give extra umami.

A Glass of Red Wine

Something like a Syrah or Zinfandel can complement the Cajun spices without overwhelming the creaminess.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Flavorful Twist?

If you’re into pasta dinners that go beyond the ordinary, here are some other favorites you’ll want to check out next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a cozy, creamy plate that delivers on garlic and cheese.
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni with bold garlic flavor and a sausage twist.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli Recipe if you’re in the mood for something earthy and elegant.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe to keep the Cajun vibe going with a faster weekday version.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for something slightly spicy and indulgent.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it anytime when the craving strikes.

Let me know how your version turned out! Did you go spicy on the Cajun or play it mild? Swap in shrimp or chicken instead? I’d love to hear your take.

Explore more mouthwatering meal ideas and weeknight winners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and keep your dinners exciting every single night.

Conclusion

Rigatoni in garlic butter parmesan cream sauce with Cajun steak tips isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone stop and savor. The contrast between creamy richness and spiced-up steak is unforgettable. Whether it’s a casual evening or a date-night-in, this dish sets the mood just right.

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