Imagine tender, juicy steak tips coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, nestled atop a bed of creamy, cheesy rigatoni. Sounds like heaven, right? This recipe is your ultimate comfort food fix, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your dinner guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, you’re going to love every buttery, cheesy bite of this one—it’s a total game-changer. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!

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

This recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’ll quickly become a household favorite:

Versatile

Serve it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The luxurious flavors make it feel fancy, but the simple preparation keeps it accessible.

Quick and Easy

Dinner on the table in under an hour? Yes, please! This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, perfect for busy days.

Crowd-Pleaser

Everyone loves tender steak paired with cheesy pasta. It’s a hit with kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Customizable

Spice it up with a dash of red pepper flakes or keep it mild—it’s up to you. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flair.

Decadent Yet Simple

Who says indulgent meals have to be complicated? This dish is proof that you can have gourmet flavors without a culinary degree.

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Steak Tips

Juicy, tender cuts of beef that soak up the garlicky butter sauce like a dream. Opt for sirloin or filet mignon for best results.

Rigatoni Pasta

The perfect vessel for holding all that cheesy goodness. Its tubular shape traps the sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.

Garlic Butter Sauce

A heavenly blend of butter, minced garlic, and a hint of parsley. This sauce is rich, aromatic, and ties the dish together.

Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese

A duo of sharp and nutty flavors that create the ultimate creamy pasta sauce.

Heavy Cream

Adds a luscious, silky texture to the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy.

Olive Oil

Used to sear the steak tips to golden perfection.

Salt and Black Pepper

Simple seasonings that let the quality of the ingredients shine.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavor-packed dish:

Prepare the Steak Tips

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, and once shimmering, sear the steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Melt butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped parsley, then return the steak tips to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the buttery goodness.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Gradually whisk in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked rigatoni with the cheese sauce until well-coated. Plate the pasta, top with garlic butter steak tips, and drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Fresh Salads

A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness of this dish beautifully.

Garlic Bread

Extra carbs? Yes, please! Use it to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Roasted Veggies

Add some roasted asparagus or broccoli for a pop of green and a healthy contrast.

On Its Own

This dish is indulgent enough to shine solo. Just grab a fork and dig in!

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop the garlic and parsley in advance to save time.
Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or Fontina for a gourmet twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Storage: Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezer-Friendly: The cheese sauce and steak tips freeze well separately. Simply thaw and combine with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin work beautifully.

Q2: What pasta can I substitute for rigatoni?
A2: Penne or ziti are great alternatives.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your cheese and cream labels.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A6: Sure! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make delicious additions.

Q7: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A7: Definitely! It’s cheesy and mild enough to please little palates.

Q8: Can I use pre-cooked steak tips?
A8: Yes, but reduce the time in the skillet to avoid overcooking.

Q9: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A9: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a creamy white like Chardonnay.

Q10: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A10: For a kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.