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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Tender steak tips meet cheesy rigatoni in a creamy Parmesan sauce with a Cajun kick. This dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Steak
  • 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye) cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
  • 10 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese optional

Method
 

  1. Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in Parmesan until melted. If using, add mozzarella or Fontina. Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
  5. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin. Fold in steak tips gently.
  6. Plate immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.