Description
How to make tender garlic butter steak tips with creamy cheesy rigatoni that creates the perfect comfort food dinner your family will absolutely love.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Components
- 2 lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta Base
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese & Seasonings
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved
Instructions
- Season Steak: Pat steak tips dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to preference.
- Make Sauce: Remove steak and reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned or bitter.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, whisking constantly. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
- Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and gradually whisk in cheeses until smooth. Add pasta water if needed for perfect creamy consistency that coats everything.
- Combine Everything: Toss pasta with cheese sauce, then gently fold in steak tips. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving immediately.
Notes
- Don’t move steak tips too frequently while searing to get proper golden-brown crust.
- Reserve pasta water before draining as it helps create the silkiest cheese sauce.
- Remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent breaking and graininess.
- Let steak rest briefly after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container.
- Reheat gently with splash of cream to restore smooth sauce consistency.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 38g