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A serving of Cajun steak tips with cheesy rigatoni pasta on a plate.

Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with spicy Cajun steak tips paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that comes together in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 750
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Steak
  • 1.5 lbs sirloin steak
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta & Sauce
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 0.5 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Toss sirloin steak cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving one cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sear seasoned steak tips in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until desired doneness, then remove and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in broth and simmer, scraping up browned bits for added flavor.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Return drained rigatoni and cooked steak tips to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the cheese sauce.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning. For extra flavor, use homemade broth. The reserved pasta water is key for achieving the perfect sauce consistency, so don't forget to save it!