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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then gradually incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until achieving a velvety smooth consistency.
- Fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is luxuriously coated with the rich mixture.
- 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