If you’re ready for a meal that hits every comfort-food note—rich, savory, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy—let me introduce you to Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This dish takes the tender, buttery luxury of seared steak tips and tosses them with golden rigatoni in a velvety, garlicky cheese sauce. The kind of pasta that comforts your soul, it’s quick to whip up on a weeknight yet feels decadent enough for a special occasion. Every bite is a little celebration of all the best flavors, and this recipe is genuinely a crowd-pleaser you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni brings something wonderful to the table—whether it’s creaminess, zing, or that craveable umami. Gather these essentials and get ready for magic.
- Rigatoni: This sturdy pasta holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly in every tube, so every mouthful is packed with flavor.
- Steak tips: Go for tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces—they’ll cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Olive oil: Gives a golden sear to the steak tips and adds a whisper of earthiness to the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness—especially when melted over the finished dish for that final buttery touch.
- Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic, robust depth to both the steak and the sauce—fresh garlic makes a world of difference here.
- Garlic powder: Doubles down on the savory, mellow garlic flavor for the steak tips.
- Heavy cream: Provides the creamy backbone for the cheese sauce, coating the pasta luxuriously.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness, making the sauce absolutely irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a sharp, salty kick that balances the richness and adds depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with a subtle warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste and adjust as you go.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Not just a garnish, but a pop of color and herby freshness right at the end.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once your water is bubbling away, add the rigatoni and cook until perfectly al dente, usually about a minute less than the package suggests. The pasta should hold a gentle bite—it will soak up some sauce later, finishing to perfection. Drain well and set aside, saving just a bit of that pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Tips
While the pasta is cooking, pat your steak tips dry and toss them with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring a large skillet to medium-high heat, add the olive oil, and, in batches, sear the steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side. You want a gorgeous deep brown crust but a juicy, pink interior. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside—don’t wipe out the skillet (that’s all flavor!).
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter right where the steak sizzled—this infuses the butter with all those savory steak juices. Add the minced garlic and stir for a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
With the cream gently simmering, sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until they melt and you’re left with a smooth, dreamy cheese sauce. If it gets a touch too thick, trickle in a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat each piece in the molten cheese sauce. Return the steak tips (plus any tasty juices!) to the pan, and gently mix to distribute everything evenly. Dot the top with the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the sauce for that extra hit of luxury.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over everything, and serve up the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni while it’s piping hot. Every bite delivers creamy, garlicky, steak-studded perfection. Dig in and watch everyone swoon.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it brightens up all the rich, creamy flavors. For an extra-special flourish, try a light shower of additional grated Parmesan or even some finely chopped chives just before serving. If you love a peppery finish, a few cracks of black pepper over the top are fantastic too.
Side Dishes
This dish is indulgent enough to stand front and center, but I love pairing it with something fresh and crisp. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted green beans work beautifully to balance the richness. Crusty bread on the side is also a must if you want to mop up every bit of extra sauce (and trust me, you’ll want to).
Creative Ways to Present
To make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni extra memorable for dinner guests, try serving it in individual pasta bowls or a large, rustic platter placed right in the center of the table. For a modern touch, top each bowl with extra steak tips and herbs, and offer a lemon wedge on the side for those who enjoy a burst of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making leftovers a real lunchtime bonus. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the cheesy sauce may change slightly on thawing. If freezing, let the pasta cool completely, divide it into portions, and store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently and heat just until hot—avoid overcooking the steak to keep it tender.
FAQs
Can I use another kind of pasta instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! While rigatoni does a fantastic job of catching the sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli will work if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for a shape with plenty of nooks and crannies for the cheese sauce.
What kind of steak is best for steak tips?
I recommend using sirloin or ribeye steak for their tenderness and flavor. You could also use strip steak or even filet mignon for an extra-special batch of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.
How do I keep the steak tips tender?
The key is not to overcook them—sear quickly over high heat and remove from the pan once browned. Don’t be tempted to cook too long, especially when you add them back to the hot sauce at the end.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten free pasta. Double-check that your seasonings and cheeses are also gluten free, and prepare just as you would with standard pasta.
How can I lighten up this dish?
For a lighter take, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use part-skim mozzarella. You can also use less cheese and add extra veggies such as spinach or roasted mushrooms for fiber and flavor, all while enjoying the signature comfort of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy and impressive, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni absolutely fits the bill. The steak is rich and tender, the cheese sauce is luscious, and every bite is one to savor. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special this week!
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent meal with this recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Tender steak bites are seared to perfection and tossed with a creamy, cheesy pasta for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Steak Tips:
- 1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak: Season steak tips with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt 2 tbsp butter in the skillet, add garlic, cook until fragrant. Stir in cream, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine: Toss pasta in the sauce, add steak tips and juices. Melt remaining butter over the top, garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or beef broth before adding the cream.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
