The garlic butter melts into the steak tips, making them juicy and full of flavor, while the cheesy rigatoni turns creamy and comforting. Every forkful is rich, warm, and so satisfying.
I cooked this Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni on a weekend night when I wanted something hearty. The smell of garlic and butter filled the kitchen, and it quickly became a dish everyone asked me to make again.
If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgent and cozy, this recipe is perfect. Let’s sear the steak, toss the pasta, and bring it all together in one cheesy skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Tender steak tips with a golden crust and creamy pasta that rivals any steakhouse
- Rich and Satisfying: The combination of garlic butter steak and cheesy rigatoni creates the perfect comfort food
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love this hearty, delicious meal
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish. Perfect for family dinners or when you want leftovers for lunch the next day.
Difficulty: Easy enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for weekend dinners with family.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or cast iron pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty dish:
For the Steak Tips:
- Steak Tips: Choose sirloin or tenderloin tips for the best texture and flavor
- Olive Oil: For searing the steak and creating a golden crust
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the butter sauce
- Unsalted Butter: Creates the rich, silky sauce that coats the steak
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme bring earthy, aromatic notes
- Salt and Pepper: Season the steak perfectly
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- Rigatoni Pasta: The tube shape holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly
- Heavy Cream: Creates the base for the rich, smooth cheese sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds stretchy, melty goodness
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh flavor as garnish
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat to balance the rich flavors
Variations for Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni
- Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for fontina or add cream cheese for extra richness
- Use Different Pasta: Penne, shells, or rotini work well in place of rigatoni
- Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Add Wine: Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding cream for deeper flavor
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until just tender. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season the Steak
Pat steak tips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. Cook the Steak Tips
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them to get a good sear. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness.
4. Make the Garlic Butter
Push steak to one side of the pan. Add butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the empty side. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss with the steak.
5. Create the Cheese Sauce
Remove steak from pan and set aside. Add heavy cream to the same pan, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the Cheese
Gradually whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce seems thick, add pasta water a little at a time.
7. Combine Everything
Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Return steak tips to the pan and gently fold together.
Serving and Decoration
Serve immediately while hot in warmed bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color and a hint of heat.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni
This hearty dish is perfect as a complete meal, but you can also serve it alongside:
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with light vinaigrette balances the rich pasta
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus or green beans add fresh flavor and color
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine pairs beautifully with the steak and cheese
Storing Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture
- Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, so enjoy it fresh
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Medium doneness keeps the steak tips tender and juicy
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta together
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: This melts more easily and prevents clumping
- Taste and Adjust: Add salt, pepper, or cheese to taste before serving
- Serve Immediately: The cheese sauce is best when hot and freshly made
Nutrition
Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 425mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
1 pound sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves ”
Salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Notes
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season Steak: Pat steak tips dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips and cook 2-3 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Add Garlic Butter: Push steak to one side. Add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to empty side. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss with steak.
- Make Sauce: Remove steak and set aside. Add heavy cream to pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer gently.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.
- Combine: Add rigatoni to cheese sauce and toss. Return steak to pan and fold gently.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni FAQs
A: Yes, ribeye or strip steak work well. Cut into small, even pieces for best results.
A: This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream.
A: Yes, use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni brings together the best of both worlds – perfectly seasoned, tender steak and creamy, cheesy pasta. The combination of garlic, butter, fresh herbs, and melted cheese creates a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in just 30 minutes.
