Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings together tender, juicy steak and creamy, cheesy pasta in one perfect plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, date night, or just craving comforting food, this recipe hits all the right notes with its bold garlic butter flavor and rich Parmesan cream sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter steak pairs beautifully with a luscious, cheesy rigatoni sauce.
- Versatile: Perfect for casual weeknights or special meals.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Hearty and satisfying — ideal for steak lovers and pasta fans alike.
- Customizable: Easily swap pasta types or add veggies to suit your taste and pantry.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 strip steaks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Steak seasoning (Kinder’s Buttery Steak Seasoning or your favorite blend)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (if not using a premade blend)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
For the Pasta:
- 16 oz rigatoni (or any preferred pasta)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steaks generously with your steak seasoning or salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, sear the steaks 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (or your preferred doneness). Remove steaks and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked rigatoni and sliced steak to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and warm through for about a minute.
6. Serve
Plate the pasta and steak, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Use well-marbled steaks for the juiciest bites.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before searing to develop a nice crust.
- Let steaks rest before slicing to keep them tender and juicy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a creamier sauce than pre-grated.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce
- A crisp garden or Caesar salad for freshness
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- A glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave covered in short intervals.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, penne rigate, or fettuccine all work great.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sautéed and added to the sauce.
How spicy is it?
You can adjust the red pepper flakes for your preferred heat level or omit them for no spice.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for celebrations. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite steak and pasta combo!