Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Picture this: juicy, tender steak tips coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta that’s just the right amount of indulgent. Are you drooling yet? This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is the kind of dish that will have you asking for seconds (maybe thirds, no judgment). It’s the perfect blend of hearty, savory flavors with a luxurious finish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a cozy bistro—but in the comfort of your own kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

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

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together—it’s about creating something truly special with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, impressing a dinner guest, or simply treating yourself after a long week, this dish hits all the right notes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile:

It’s great for just about any occasion! From busy weeknights when you want something quick but flavorful, to weekends when you want to treat yourself, this dish works. And when you serve it to friends? They’ll be begging for the recipe.

Budget-Friendly:

With simple ingredients like steak tips and pasta, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a truly indulgent meal. It’s proof that you don’t need to splurge to make something fantastic.

Quick and Easy:

Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this dish is simple to pull off. A few straightforward steps, and you’ll be ready to dig in. Seriously, no stress required.

Customizable:

Want a little extra spice? Add some chili flakes or smoked paprika to the steak tips. Prefer a creamy sauce with a little less garlic? Adjust to your taste. This recipe is flexible enough for you to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Steak + pasta = a win every time. Whether it’s family, friends, or picky eaters, this dish is sure to make everyone at the table happy. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and everyone loves it!

Ingredients

Let’s break it down—this is the heart of the dish, and it’s all about the combination of a few simple ingredients that come together to create magic:

Steak Tips:

The hero of the dish. These juicy, tender pieces of steak soak up the garlic butter, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Garlic Butter:

This isn’t just any butter—it’s garlic-infused, and it adds that irresistible richness to the steak tips and pasta.

Rigatoni:

Chewy, hearty pasta that’s perfect for holding onto the creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of pasta that just begs to be paired with something flavorful and indulgent.

Heavy Cream:

This is what makes the rigatoni rich and smooth, helping all the flavors come together in that creamy, dreamy sauce.

Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese:

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, while mozzarella brings that gooey, meltiness we all crave.

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

Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a meal so delicious, you’ll be planning to make it again (and again):

Step 1: Sear the Steak Tips

Start by heating a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and cook them until they’re browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once they’re perfect, set them aside. Don’t throw away all those flavorful brown bits in the pan—they’ll make your sauce even better!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant and golden (but not burnt—trust me, burnt garlic is a no-go). This is where all the flavor magic starts to happen.

Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni

While your steak tips are resting, cook the rigatoni according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water to help thin the sauce later if needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt into the sauce, making it rich and creamy.

Step 5: Add the Steak Tips

Now, add those perfectly cooked steak tips back into the pan with the pasta. Toss everything together so that the steak tips are nestled in with the creamy rigatoni.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the cheesy rigatoni with the steak tips on top, and maybe sprinkle a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This dish is a meal in itself, but here are a few ways to make your dinner extra special:

Fresh Salads:

Pair with a crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the pasta and steak beautifully.

Garlic Bread:

Why not? Garlic bread is always a good idea. Serve it on the side to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce.

Roasted Veggies:

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini are perfect for adding some color and balance to this indulgent meal.

As a Standalone:

Let’s be real—this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own. If you want to keep it simple, just serve it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook everything, store it in the fridge, and just reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Easy peasy!
• Adjust the Creaminess: Not a fan of super creamy dishes? You can use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Dietary Adjustments: You can swap the pasta for gluten-free pasta if needed. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
• Double the Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. It’s perfect for feeding a group!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute steak tips with another cut of meat?

A1: Absolutely! You can use flank steak, sirloin, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on your protein choice.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Just cook everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?

A4: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?

A5: Add some chili flakes or smoked paprika to the steak tips or the creamy sauce for a little heat!

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have a big enough skillet or pan to accommodate everything. The cooking time might need a slight adjustment depending on the volume.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

A7: While the pasta makes this a carb-heavy dish, you can substitute the rigatoni with a low-carb pasta or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?

A8: Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a simple salad are all perfect accompaniments to this hearty meal.

Q9: How can I make this healthier?

A9: You can lighten it up by using reduced-fat cheese and heavy cream alternatives like half-and-half or a plant-based milk.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?

A10: A large skillet or sauté pan works best for searing the steak and making the sauce. A wide pan allows the ingredients to cook evenly.

Conclusion

There you have it—Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the meal you didn’t know you needed but will now crave again and again. It’s comforting, rich, and full of flavor, but still quick and easy to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make this delicious meal happen! Enjoy!

Print