Description
Tender Cajun steak tips nestled in a creamy, cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce. A hearty, flavor-packed dish for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or tri-tip steak tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- Flavor Boosters:
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Dairy & Sauce Essentials:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Seasonings & Staples:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Prep the Cajun Steak Tips:: First things first, let’s get those steak tips ready. Pat them really dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear! Then, toss them in a bowl with a generous amount of that Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece is coated. I always get my hands in there, really working the seasoning into the meat. You want to see that vibrant red-orange color all over. This is where the magic starts, honestly, you can almost smell the flavors mingling already. Don’t forget a little salt and pepper too!
- Sear the Cajun Steak Tips:: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat with a swirl of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your seasoned steak tips in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want a beautiful, dark crust, not steamed meat! Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more done. I usually aim for a good sear and slightly pink inside. Remove the steak tips from the pan and set them aside on a plate, tented with foil. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked; they’ll finish in the sauce! I always forget to tent them, and then they cool down too fast, oops!
- Cook the Rigatoni:: While your steak is resting, get a big pot of salted water boiling for your rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a little bite to it. Remember, we’re going to toss it in a warm sauce, so we don’t want it mushy. Before draining, make sure to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water! This liquid gold is key for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later. It’s one of those pro tips I learned the hard way, trust me.
- Start the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce:: In the same skillet you used for the steak (all those delicious browned bits are flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Oh, that smell! It’s one of my favorite kitchen smells, truly. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up all those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to boil vigorously.
- Finish the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce:: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust seasonings. Maybe a little more Cajun spice for extra kick, or a pinch more salt. I once added all the pasta water at once and it was a bit runny, so go slow! You want that luscious, clingy sauce for your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce.
- Combine and Serve the Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:: Add the cooked and drained rigatoni to the cheesy Parmesan sauce, tossing gently to coat every single noodle. Slice your rested steak tips into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pasta. Give everything a good, gentle stir to combine. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. The vibrant green of the parsley against the creamy sauce and spicy steak? It just looks so inviting! Serve it up hot and watch it disappear. This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is truly a winner!