“Delicious Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni: 30-Minute Recipe”

Picture this: juicy, tender steak tips coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta that’s the perfect blend of indulgence and comfort. This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe combines two culinary favorites into one extraordinary meal that’s impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

• Quick and Easy: This complete meal comes together in about 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without hours in the kitchen.
• Indulgent Flavor Combination: The rich garlic butter sauce on tender steak tips pairs perfectly with cheesy rigatoni for an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Versatile Recipe: Easily customize with your favorite vegetables or adjust the cheese blend to suit your preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but requires minimal effort to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Both adults and kids love this perfect balance of savory steak and creamy pasta – it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

For the Steak Tips:

• 1 pound steak tips (sirloin tips work best), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

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How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
3. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Tips

1. While the pasta is cooking, season the steak tips with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned steak tips to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary).
4. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
5. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning.
4. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, then add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Return the steak tips to the skillet, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of butter, and gently toss everything together.
4. Let the dish simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

• Choose the Right Steak: For the most tender results, use sirloin steak tips, ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts stay juicy and tender when quickly cooked at high heat.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni just until al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• Room Temperature Steak: Let your steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking results.
• Save That Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is perfect for adjusting the consistency of your cheese sauce without diluting the flavor.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For the creamiest sauce, grate your cheese fresh.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious ways to enhance your dining experience:

• Add a Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and steak.
• Garlic Bread: What’s pasta without garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for added color and nutrients.
• Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that can stand up to the rich flavors.
• Simple Garnish: Sometimes less is more – a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs can be the perfect finishing touch.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Per Serving (recipe serves 4):

• Calories: 750 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare components separately – cook the pasta until just under al dente and store it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. The steak tips can be seasoned and refrigerated until ready to cook. When ready to serve, cook the steak, make the sauce, and combine with the pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You may need to add a little more cheese or a teaspoon of cornstarch (mixed with cold water) to help thicken the sauce if using milk.

Can I add vegetables to my Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would be delicious additions. Add sturdy vegetables like mushrooms when cooking the garlic, and more delicate ones like spinach just before combining everything.

What is the best cut of steak to use for this recipe?

Sirloin steak tips are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or strip steak cut into bite-sized pieces. The key is choosing a tender cut that cooks quickly while remaining juicy.

Related Recipes for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you love this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe, you might also enjoy these delicious dishes:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Another indulgent pasta dish with Italian-inspired flavors
• One-Pot Beef Stroganoff – A hearty, comforting dish with tender beef and creamy sauce
• Shrimp Scampi with Linguine – For seafood lovers who enjoy garlic butter flavors
• Creamy Parmesan Risotto with Herb-Crusted Steak – An elevated version for special occasions
• Classic Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken – A simpler creamy pasta dish that’s always a hit

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now you know how to make the best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni at home! This irresistible combination of tender, juicy steak and creamy, cheesy pasta creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your experience or any delicious modifications you made to make it your own. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow food lovers who appreciate a good steak and pasta dish!

Ready to take your pasta game to the next level? Try this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

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