If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold, savory flavors with creamy comfort, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender steak tips coated in luscious garlic butter pair beautifully with rigatoni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce made from mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet satisfying, ideal for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to an elevated home-cooked meal. Each bite bursts with the warmth of garlic, the richness of butter, and the comforting texture of cheesy pasta, making this recipe a fast favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating a mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. Each ingredient, though simple, plays a vital role in bringing together layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- Sirloin or ribeye steak (1½ pounds): Choose tender cuts for juicy, flavorful steak tips that cook quickly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity base for searing your steak to perfection.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every element of the dish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Key for creating the rich garlic butter sauce that coats the steak.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch that lifts the buttery sauce.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon fresh or ½ teaspoon dried): Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the meat beautifully.
- Rigatoni pasta (12 ounces): Its tube shape holds the cheesy sauce wonderfully for a delicious bite every time.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the cheese sauce luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Melts smoothly to create that gooey, cheesy texture we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings a sharp, savory depth that balances the mozzarella’s creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick that wakes up the palate without being too spicy.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens up the finished dish both visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it until just al dente, usually according to the package instructions. Properly cooking the pasta ensures it will hold up under the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Tips
While the pasta cooks, generously season your bite-sized steak tips with salt and fresh black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the steak tips in a single layer. This quick searing step locks in the meat’s natural juices, creating a flavorful crust in just 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cook them to your preferred doneness, then remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet you seared the steak in—this allows you to keep all the leftover flavors. Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cooking this just for a minute releases their fragrant aromas and infuses the buttery sauce with that irresistible savory depth.
Step 4: Toss Steak Tips in Garlic Butter
Return the seared steak tips to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the garlic butter mixture. This step coats each piece with a glossy, aromatic layer that will elevate every bite. The warmth of the pan helps meld the flavors and keeps the steak perfectly tender and juicy.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce
In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to gently simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth. If you love a hint of heat, this is the moment to sprinkle in red pepper flakes and stir them through. The result is a velvety sauce that clings lovingly to each rigatoni noodle.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated with creamy, cheesy goodness. This creates the perfect base for your garlic butter steak tips, uniting all the flavors harmoniously.
Step 7: Serve the Final Dish
Plate the cheesy rigatoni first, then pile the garlic butter steak tips on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to dig into a meal that delivers a rich, comforting punch with every forkful.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and color, chopped fresh parsley is an ideal garnish for this dish. It adds a bright green contrast and a mild herbaceous note that complements the richness without overpowering it. You can also consider a light sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan if you love a cheesier finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp side salads such as a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, savory main course. Garlic bread on the side is also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the steak tips atop a nest of rigatoni on warm plates creates a visually inviting centerpiece. For a casual twist, try plating the steak and pasta in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation that retains heat longer. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper or drizzle a bit of extra garlic butter on top right before serving to amplify the flavors and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors without any compromise in texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well when stored properly. Separate the steak tips and pasta portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When planning to freeze, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the steak and curdling the cheese sauce. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating helps restore the silky consistency of the sauce and keeps the rigatoni delightfully creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can experiment with flank or skirt steak. Just be sure to cut the meat into bite-sized tips and adjust cooking time to maintain tenderness.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The creamy cheese sauce and tender steak tips remain just as delicious, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
Can I prepare the steak tips in advance?
You can season and cut the steak tips ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for a few hours. However, it’s best to sear the steak fresh right before serving to ensure juiciness and optimal flavor.
What can I use instead of fresh thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, dried thyme is a perfect substitute. Use about half the amount called for fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated. It will still infuse that lovely earthy note into the garlic butter sauce.
How spicy does the optional red pepper flakes make the dish?
The amount of red pepper flakes used in the recipe provides a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without making the dish overly spicy. Feel free to adjust or omit based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the soul-satisfying delight of homemade Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. It’s a beautiful combination of tender steak, sumptuous garlic butter, and cheesy pasta that can turn any ordinary dinner night into a special occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal to share and savor. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Steak Tips paired with creamy Cheesy Rigatoni. Tender, seared steak tips coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce served over rigatoni pasta smothered in a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty American main course delivers a perfect balance of savory steak and indulgent cheesy pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Steak Tips and Sauce
- 1½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized tips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Cheesy Rigatoni
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Steak Tips: While the pasta cooks, season the steak tips generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear Steak Tips: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss Steak in Garlic Butter: Return steak tips to the pan and toss in the garlic butter until well coated and heated through.
- Prepare Cheesy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes if using for a slight heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cheesy sauce to the cooked rigatoni, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Plate a bed of cheesy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For richer flavor, add a splash of white wine or beef broth to the garlic butter sauce during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure steak tips are cooked to your preference; 130°F is ideal for medium-rare.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta.
