Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Tips With Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Succulent garlic butter steak tips dance deliciously alongside creamy rigatoni in a comfort meal that promises pure satisfaction.

Fragrant herbs and melted cheese create an irresistible combination for weeknight dining.

Hearty protein meets silky pasta in a plate bursting with rich flavors.

Tender meat chunks get coated in a luxurious butter sauce that whispers culinary magic.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will appreciate this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques guarantee a memorable dinner experience that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

Let’s transform an ordinary evening into a celebration of savory delights.

Delicious Variations on Garlic Butter Steak Tips and Rigatoni

• Hearty Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace steak tips with grilled portobello mushrooms seasoned with similar spices, offering a meaty texture and rich umami flavor for vegetarian diners.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute rigatoni with spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy cheese sauce and garlic butter essence.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Transformation: Use lamb tips instead of beef, add oregano and rosemary to the seasoning, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the sauce for a Greek-style culinary experience.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, using plant-based butter and cashew cheese to create a creamy sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Pairings That Complement Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

• Full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich, savory garlic butter steak with its bold tannins and dark fruit notes, cutting through the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a fresh, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of steak and cheesy pasta.
• Roast asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt, providing a tender-crisp vegetable side that echoes the dish's garlic undertones and adds nutritional balance to the hearty main course.

How to Keep Garlic Butter Steak Tips Fresh and Creamy

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate steak and pasta to prevent soggy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauce if possible.
• Reheat Pasta: Warm gently in microwave with a splash of milk or water to restore moisture. Stir every 30 seconds to prevent drying out.
• Reheat Steak: Warm slowly in skillet over low heat with a pat of butter. Add splash of beef broth to keep meat tender and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin tips are ideal. They’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly in the skillet, ensuring a perfect sear and juicy result.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Absolutely! Dried parsley works fine. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute for fresh. It will still provide a nice herbal touch to the dish.

• How do I know when the steak tips are cooked to the right doneness?

Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F; for medium, target 145°F. Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni That Impresses

• Craft Gourmet Comfort: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels luxurious yet simple to prepare.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Combine tender, juicy steak tips with creamy, cheesy pasta for a mouthwatering combination that satisfies multiple cravings in one dish.
• Quick Restaurant-Style Dinner: Create a sophisticated meal that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adjusting seasoning, or adding vegetables to match personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Rigatoni

• Steak Tips: Tender beef pieces that provide rich, meaty flavor to the dish.

• Rigatoni: Large, ridged pasta tubes that hold sauce exceptionally well.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a smooth and luxurious sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for searing steak and creating a rich, flavorful sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic: Spices and aromatics that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnishing and adding a bright flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a smooth cheese sauce.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab your rigatoni and drop it into a pot of generously salted water. Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Fire up a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops. Lower the heat and introduce a pat of butter and minced garlic, swirling to coat the steak in that irresistible garlic butter.

Carefully remove from heat and let the steak rest.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes silky smooth and gloriously creamy.

Step 4: Unite Pasta and Cheese

Dive the cooked rigatoni into the cheese sauce, gently tossing until every single pasta tube is lavishly coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Create the Final Masterpiece

Spread the cheesy rigatoni on plates and crown with the garlic butter steak tips.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle chopped parsley or a handful of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Tender Garlic Butter Steak Tips Every Time

• Opt for high-quality steak tips like sirloin or tenderloin for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Pat steak tips dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust and authentic taste in the butter sauce.
• Allow steak tips to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain juices and ensure maximum succulence.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce cheese quantity.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips With Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter steak tips meld perfectly with creamy cheesy rigatoni in this hearty Italian-inspired comfort dish. Rich flavors and tender meat promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb steak tips (bite-sized pieces)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook rigatoni until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly and reserve.
2. Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Carefully place steak tips into the pan, seasoning generously with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear steak tips for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown crust. Reduce heat to low and introduce butter and minced garlic, gently coating meat in aromatic garlic butter.
4. Simultaneously prepare cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in heavy cream, garlic powder, and a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper.
5. Allow sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then gradually incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until achieving a velvety smooth consistency.
6. Fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is luxuriously coated with the rich mixture.
7. Transfer cheesy rigatoni to serving plates, elegantly arranging the garlic-infused steak tips on top. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Optimize steak searing by ensuring skillet is scorching hot before adding meat to achieve perfect golden-brown crust.
• Create tender steak by letting meat rest at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking, allowing even heat distribution and more consistent doneness.
• Prevent sauce separation by adding cheese gradually and stirring constantly, maintaining medium-low heat for smooth, creamy texture.
• Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting rigatoni with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 830 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 58 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg