Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re looking for a dish that is both comforting and flavorful, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This recipe is a favorite of mine because it combines tender steak tips sautéed in rich garlic butter with creamy, cheesy rigatoni. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen!

I love how this recipe allows for a cozy dinner experience without requiring hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and quick prep time, you can serve up a hearty meal that impresses everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes to prepare and cook, you can whip up this delicious meal even on the busiest nights.
• Family Favorite: The combination of juicy steak and creamy pasta appeals to all ages, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.
• Comfort Food: This dish wraps you in warmth with its rich flavors and creamy textures—perfect for satisfying cravings!
• Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Steak Tips

• 2 strip steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

For the Cheesy Rigatoni

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 16 oz rigatoni pasta

Seasoning and Extras

• Red pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of steak or want to lighten things up, try using chicken breast or even shrimp instead.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative to reduce calories without sacrificing too much richness.
• Change up the pasta: While rigatoni works beautifully here, feel free to use any pasta shape you love—penne or fusilli would be delicious too!

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by cooking your rigatoni in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. This step is crucial as it ensures your pasta has just the right amount of bite. Once done, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

In a skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle in olive oil and let it warm up. Season your strip steaks generously before placing them in the pan. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they reach your desired doneness. Resting the steaks after cooking is important; this allows their juices to redistribute for maximum flavor when sliced.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In that same skillet (don’t waste all those delicious drippings!), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds will do! Then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently as it simmers for around 3-4 minutes. This will create a luscious base for your sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Once your sauce has thickened slightly, whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This step brings an incredible creaminess that’s hard to resist! Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor that complements the richness beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time for the magic! Slice your rested steak into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the cooked rigatoni into your creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through—this means every bite will be bursting with flavor!

Step 6: Serve Up!

Dish out generous portions while still hot! Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. It’s time to enjoy this delightful Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni—your friends and family will be singing praises!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is all about attention to detail, and these expert tips will help you elevate your dish to a new level of deliciousness.

• Choose Quality Steaks: Using high-quality steaks not only enhances the flavor but also ensures tenderness in your dish. Look for cuts like strip steaks or sirloin that are well-marbled for extra juiciness.

• Don’t Skimp on the Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that aromatic punch in your sauce. It adds depth and richness, making the dish more flavorful and inviting.

• Whisk the Sauce Smoothly: When adding cheese to the sauce, whisk continuously until it’s fully melted and smooth. This prevents clumping and ensures a creamy texture that beautifully coats the pasta.

• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to your rigatoni for added nutrition and color. They not only enhance the meal’s visual appeal but also contribute extra flavors and health benefits.

• Allow Steaks to Rest: After cooking, let the steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain their juices, resulting in tender pieces that won’t dry out when mixed with the pasta.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Presentation matters! When serving Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, consider how you plate and garnish your dish to make it visually appealing and even more appetizing.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the rich flavors of the dish.
• Extra Parmesan: Offering freshly grated Parmesan on top gives guests a chance to customize their meal, enhancing its cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is a classic pairing that complements the meal perfectly. The buttery garlic flavor is a delightful match for creamy pasta.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak and cheese. It adds crunch and balances out the flavors.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus bring additional nutrients and vibrant colors to your plate, making it more wholesome.

• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds a touch of green that pairs well with both steak and pasta while being quick to prepare.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress everyone at your dinner table with this hearty Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion the meal into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Can I use different types of pasta with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

How do I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your ingredients, like chicken broth and Parmesan cheese, are certified gluten-free.

What makes Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni so special?

This dish combines tender steak tips sautéed in rich garlic butter and creamy Parmesan sauce with hearty rigatoni. It’s a delightful fusion that brings comfort food to a whole new level!

Can I customize my Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni! It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion—simple yet packed full of flavors that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own; after all, cooking is all about having fun! Happy cooking!