If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy sirloin steak tips seared to perfection and tossed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that blends seamlessly with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. It’s comfort food elevated with a touch of elegance, perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests without hours of work. Trust me, once you try this combination, it’ll be a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the savory sirloin steak tips for meaty goodness, to the rich dairy bringing that irresistible creamy texture, and the vibrant parsley that lifts the whole dish with fresh color and flavor.
- Sirloin steak tips, 1 ½ pounds: Choose quality cuts to ensure juicy, tender bites.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: For searing the steak with a subtle fruity note.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons: Adds richness and carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: The star aromatics that infuse the dish with warmth.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Brings a savory herb depth to the steak.
- Rigatoni pasta, 12 ounces: Tubular shape perfect for catching the creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Whole milk, 1 cup: Provides creamy base with subtle sweetness.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: For indulgent smoothness and richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 ½ cups: Melts into gooey, stretchy cheese heaven.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: Adds sharp, nutty contrast to mozzarella.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens and finishes the dish with a pop of green freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the rigatoni until al dente ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture when mixed into the cheese sauce later. Once ready, drain it well and set it aside so it’s prepared for the final assembly.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the steak tips in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Searing the steak for 2 to 3 minutes per side locks in juices and gives you that crave-worthy brown crust. Once perfectly cooked, transfer them onto a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet to capture all those flavorful bits left from the steak. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute, so it doesn’t burn but releases its full aroma. This simple step layers the sauce with deeply satisfying flavors.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and garlic, whisking to create a roux. Cooking it for a minute removes that raw flour taste and thickens the base. Then, slowly pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted, silky, and inviting.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak
Toss the cooked rigatoni directly into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece gets coated in creamy goodness. Finally, return the seared steak tips to the pan and gently mix everything together, bringing all those flavors into the perfect harmony that makes this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant burst of color and a fresh herbal contrast that balances the richness of the dish. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables make fantastic companions. Their freshness and textures cut through the creamy sauce, keeping each bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy dinner party, serve this dish in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls, allowing everyone to enjoy the sizzling warmth and cheesy aroma. You can also add a sprinkle of red chili flakes on top for a pop of color and a subtle heat hint that complements the garlic butter perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe should be placed in airtight containers and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keeping the components together in one dish helps the flavors meld but avoid storing for too long to maintain the best texture of the steak and pasta.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by portioning into freezer-safe containers. For optimal taste and texture, consume frozen meals within 1 to 2 months. Remember, the cream-based sauce might thicken slightly upon thawing, so a gentle reheat with a splash of milk can bring it back to silky perfection.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the cheese sauce without curdling or drying out the steak. Adding a little milk or cream while reheating can refresh the creamy texture for a delightful second serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak tips are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, ribeye or New York strip works wonderfully and can add even more richness. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on thickness to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy cream in the sauce?
Using both gives a balanced creamy texture and richness without making the sauce too heavy or too thin. If you prefer, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with milk, but the sauce may not be as luscious.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and season the steak tips a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Also, the pasta can be cooked earlier and tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking. Just assemble and finish cooking before serving.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and flavorful without much spice. However, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic butter sauce step can introduce a lovely subtle heat that balances the creaminess nicely.
What can I use as a garnish besides parsley?
Fresh basil or chives can be excellent alternatives depending on your flavor preference. A light sprinkle of crushed toasted breadcrumbs also adds a nice textural contrast for an elevated finish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is one of those meals that satisfies cravings and warms the heart all at once. It’s approachable, insanely delicious, and perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic for family dinners or special occasions.
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe features tender sirloin steak pieces seared in olive oil and butter combined with a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. It’s a comforting and indulgent main course perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sear the Steak Tips: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Roux: Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses and stir until melted and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the seared steak tips to the skillet and gently stir them into the cheesy rigatoni to combine flavors well.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak tips in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute ribeye or New York strip for sirloin to vary the texture and taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a bit of heat.
