Cajun Steak Tips & Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce (Print Version)
Spicy Cajun steak tips meet creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta in a rich Parmesan sauce. A hearty, flavorful meal for any night of the week.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Cajun American
# Ingredients:
→ Cajun Steak Sizzle
01 -
1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch tips
02 -
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Rigatoni Rhapsody
05 -
12 oz rigatoni pasta
06 -
1 tsp salt
→ Parmesan Cream Dream
07 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
09 -
2 cups whole milk
10 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
11 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 -
1/4 tsp onion powder
15 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Fresh Finishers
16 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
17 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
18 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Cut 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak into 1-inch tips. In a medium bowl, toss the steak tips with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the other components for your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp salt and 12 oz rigatoni pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This forms the base for your rich Parmesan sauce.
05 -
Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth and no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
06 -
Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and seared Cajun steak tips to the cheesy Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 2 green onions. Serve immediately and savor your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra tender steak tips, let them rest for 5 minutes after searing before adding them to the sauce.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
03 -
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile in your cheesy sauce.
04 -
Serve this hearty dish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Grater
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 1154 kcal
Total Fat: 58 g
Total Carbohydrate: 73 g
Protein: 72 g