Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Get ready to fall in love at first bite with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni! This dish delivers the total comfort-food experience: juicy, garlicky steak bites, golden and crisp at the edges, nestled next to tender rigatoni, all tangled in a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce. When you crave a day-brightener of a dinner that doesn’t fuss but still feels super special, this recipe is your answer. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to something a little extra, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in just how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one brings a little something—richness, creaminess, a punch of flavor, or welcome color—to make the final dish irresistible. Here’s what you’ll gather to create Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:

• Steak (sirloin or ribeye): Tender, bite-sized cubes promise juicy, meaty flavor with every forkful.
• Rigatoni pasta: Its ridges catch the creamy sauce, so you get a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Unsalted butter: The buttery base brings richness and helps sear the steak to perfection.
• Garlic (minced): Always a superstar—fresh garlic adds real depth and a mouthwatering aroma.
• Garlic powder: This boosts the savory garlicky flavor underlying every bite.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of smoky warmth and subtle color to your steak tips.
• Salt and pepper: Simple but essential to balance and enhance all those bold flavors.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every noodle.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty—Parmesan takes the sauce from good to great.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For a stretchy, cheesy finish that everyone loves.
• Beef broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and keeps it from getting too thick.
• Fresh parsley: A pop of green at the end for color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and adding your rigatoni. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—you want a little bite left! Drain the pasta and set it aside; while the steak and sauce come together, the rigatoni will happily wait for its moment in the spotlight.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Tips

Generously season your bite-sized steak pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and let it get nice and foamy. Add the steak tips in a single layer, giving them space to sear. Let each side cook for 3–4 minutes, just until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove your steak tips from the pan and set them aside—you’ll return these beauties shortly.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (all those caramelized steak bits are flavor gold!), drop in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add your minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until that heavenly aroma fills your kitchen and the garlic turns golden but not brown.

Step 4: Simmer with Cream, Broth, and Cheese

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to stir and scrape up any brown bits from the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, letting them melt into the sauce until it’s velvety smooth and dreamily cheesy.

Step 5: Combine, Plate, and Enjoy

Add your cooked rigatoni and reserved steak tips back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat every noodle and piece of steak with that rich garlic-cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately, ideally with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni masterpiece.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Nothing completes Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni quite like a pop of green and a whisper of extra cheese on top. A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds brightness to the plate, while a dusting of Parmesan is always a welcome touch. For a hint of heat, a few red pepper flakes are fabulous.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty entrée with something light to balance the richness. I love serving a crisp Caesar salad or lemony arugula alongside. Roasted broccoli or green beans make for an easy, vibrant side that matches the spirit of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, try serving the pasta and steak tips in individual bowls, topped with an extra drizzle of the cheesy sauce. If you’re feeling playful, you can even bake the finished dish with a sprinkle of mozzarella for a melty, golden-topped casserole version. The presentation just invites everyone to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together overnight, making leftovers practically irresistible for lunch the next day. It will keep happily for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Ideally, freeze the pasta and steak tips separate from any extra sauce if possible. When tightly sealed, they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the creamy sauce may thicken slightly after thawing but will still taste wonderful.

Reheating

Reheat Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce seems thick, splash in a little milk or broth to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until warmed through—delicious as ever, every time!

FAQs

What kind of steak works best for this recipe?

Both sirloin and ribeye are fantastic choices, offering great flavor and tenderness in the bite-sized steak tips. If you prefer, you can experiment with other cuts like tenderloin, but sticks to something tender for the best results in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?

Definitely! While rigatoni holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully, other tubular pastas like penne, ziti, or even fusilli work well too. Just be sure to cook your chosen pasta al dente so it stands up to the rich sauce and hearty steak.

Is it okay to use pre-grated cheese?

Pre-grated cheese is convenient, but grating your Parmesan and mozzarella fresh from the block makes the sauce smoother and meltier. Many pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can impact the creaminess, so go fresh if you can!

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead of time?

Certainly! Prepare everything up to the point of combining pasta, steak, and sauce. You can refrigerate them separately, then reheat and mix together just before serving to keep everything at peak flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten the sauce, you could use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened cashew cream or coconut milk can work, although the final flavor will be a little different.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself to restaurant-quality flavor with none of the fuss, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the dish to try. It’s rich, satisfying, and filled with little moments of joy in every cheesy, garlicky bite. Give it a go—you and everyone around your table are sure to make this recipe a regular favorite!

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