Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a comfort food dream come true! Juicy, tender steak tips cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce paired with rich, creamy, and cheesy rigatoni—this dish is pure indulgence. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter steak tips are savory, buttery, and packed with flavor.
• Creamy Pasta Goodness: The cheesy rigatoni is rich and velvety, making it the perfect companion to the steak.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish doesn’t require hours of cooking.
• Comfort Food Classic: Who doesn’t love the combination of steak and pasta?

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:

• 1 lb steak tips or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet for steak tips
• Medium pot for pasta
• Saucepan for cheese sauce
• Mixing spoon or spatula

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

1. Cook the Rigatoni
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sear the Steak Tips
   • Season the steak tips with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
   • Sear the steak tips for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness (medium-rare recommended).
   • Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
   • Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Return the steak tips to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce. Turn off the heat and let them rest.
4. Prepare the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine the Rigatoni and Cheese Sauce
   • Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   • Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak tips.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that buttery sauce.
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus make a great side dish.
• Side Salad: A light mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

• Room Temperature Steak: Let the steak sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even searing.
• Don’t Overcook: For tender steak tips, cook them to medium-rare or medium and let them rest before serving.
• Cheese Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the cheese sauce by adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the pasta and steak separately in the microwave or on the stove to prevent overcooking.
• Freeze: The cheese sauce may change texture when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or cavatappi are great alternatives to rigatoni.

Q2: What other cheese can I use in the sauce?
A: Try mixing in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a touch of blue cheese for added flavor.

Q3: Can I use chicken instead of steak tips?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs can be cooked the same way with delicious results.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is indulgence at its finest. With tender, juicy steak and creamy, cheesy pasta, it’s a meal you’ll want to make over and over again. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you’re craving something satisfying and delicious.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g

Dig in and enjoy every bite of this savory, cheesy goodness!

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