
Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion? Look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni! This dish combines tender steak tips cooked in a garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. The result is a rich and indulgent dinner that brings together the best of both worlds: a juicy steak and a comforting pasta dish.
The garlic butter adds incredible depth of flavor to the steak tips, while the cheesy rigatoni provides a creamy and satisfying base that pairs perfectly with the savory steak. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this meal is sure to impress everyone at the table. The balance of textures from the tender steak and creamy pasta creates a truly memorable dining experience.
Let’s dive into this delicious, indulgent recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120g) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (180g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60g) ricotta cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Tips
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the steak tips in a single layer. Sear the steak tips for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium is recommended).
- Once the steak is cooked, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to infuse the flavors.
- Return the steak tips to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the steak is coated with the buttery sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
- While the steak tips are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta cooking water for later.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
- In the same pot (or a separate skillet), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine, allowing the cream to heat up for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese to the pot. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the cheesy sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, add the cooked rigatoni pasta and toss to coat the pasta in the cheese sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Steak Tips and Rigatoni
- Add the garlic butter steak tips to the pot with the cheesy rigatoni. Toss everything together until the steak tips and pasta are evenly combined and coated in the creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~670 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
🔥 Use a Good Quality Steak – The flavor of this dish relies on the quality of the steak, so choose fresh, tender steak tips. Sirloin or ribeye work great, but any tender cut will work.
🔥 Adjust the Creaminess – If you prefer a richer, more indulgent sauce, add extra heavy cream or a bit more cheese to make the sauce even creamier.
🔥 Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of heat. It complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
🔥 Fresh Herbs – Using fresh thyme and rosemary really enhances the flavor of the steak, but dried herbs can also be substituted if necessary.
🔥 Extra Toppings – Add some crisp bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
🔥 Meal Prep – This dish is perfect for meal prep. Simply cook the steak and pasta in advance, and combine them when ready to eat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – The combination of juicy, tender steak tips with creamy, cheesy pasta is irresistibly delicious.
✔️ Comforting & Hearty – This dish is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory flavors and textures that fill you up and leave you satisfied.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Despite its indulgent flavors, this meal is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
✔️ Customizable – Whether you like your steak rare or well-done, you can adjust the steak cooking time to suit your preference. You can also add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make the dish your own.
✔️ Family Favorite – The combination of steak and cheesy pasta is sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike!
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