Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate, look no further—Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is about to become your next dinner obsession! Imagine juicy steak bites seared in fragrant garlic butter, all nestled on a bed of lusciously creamy rigatoni. Every bite is equal parts decadent, buttery, and irresistibly cheesy. Trust me, this is a weeknight dinner that will make you feel like a rock star in the kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These basic but essential ingredients work together to deliver next-level flavor and texture, and every one of them plays a starring role in creating the magic that is Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one is so important:

• Steak Tips (1 lb): Bite-sized, tender pieces of steak are quick to cook and soak up loads of buttery garlic goodness.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp for steak, 1 tbsp for sauce): Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning—plus, you want plenty for both the steak and the creamy cheese sauce!
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the aroma and bold flavor that fresh garlic brings; it’s the heart of that irresistible steak coating.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps sear the steak tips to perfection without burning the butter.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Just a pinch adds a subtle smoky warmth that balances the creamy cheese.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout—don’t be shy!
• Rigatoni Pasta (12 oz): The robust, tube-shaped pasta holds that dreamy cheese sauce like a champ.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts perfectly for ultimate creaminess and those classic cheese pulls.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Adds salty, nutty depth and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Heavy Cream (1½ cups): The secret to a sauce that’s luxuriously rich without being overly heavy.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Layers extra garlic flavor right into the sauce—because more garlic is always a good idea!
• Fresh Parsley & Extra Parmesan (for garnish): The finishing touch for color and flavor pop, if desired.

Variations

The beauty of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is how adaptable it is—don’t hesitate to swap, add, or tweak as you see fit. Whether you have dietary needs or just want to have fun with extra flavors, use this dish as your canvas!

• Chicken or Shrimp Swap: Use boneless chicken breast or peeled shrimp in place of steak tips for a lighter (but equally tasty) twist.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers to boost flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or steak for subtle heat.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try fontina, provolone, or smoked gouda for a fun new cheesy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Simply sub your favorite gluten-free pasta for the rigatoni.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni

Start with a big pot of well-salted boiling water (it should taste like the sea!). Cook the rigatoni until just al dente, because it’ll soak up more cheese sauce once combined. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining, just in case your sauce needs a little loosening later!

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Pat your steak tips dry and season generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then sear the steak tips in batches (don’t crowd the pan!) for 3–4 minutes per side. You want deep golden brown edges for flavor.

Step 3: Coat Steak with Garlic Butter

Once the steak tips are just shy of your desired doneness, lower the heat and add in your butter and minced garlic. Toss everything gently for about a minute, letting that butter and garlic transform the steak into velvety, melt-in-your-mouth bites. Remove from the pan so they don’t overcook.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and stir in the garlic powder, cream, a dash of salt and pepper. Once warmed through, gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring constantly until the sauce turns thick, dreamy, and silky smooth.

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni straight into the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece—this is where all the magic happens, so take your time!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top generously with your garlic butter steak tips. Finish with a flourish of fresh parsley or even more Parmesan. There’s truly nothing left to do but dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that’s the perfect contrast to that golden cheese sauce. I also love to dust the finished plate with a bit of extra Parmesan or even a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch—delicious and beautiful!

Side Dishes

Since Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is hearty on its own, lighter sides shine best. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a zippy vinaigrette, oven-roasted asparagus, or garlicky sautéed broccolini for color and balance. And if you’re like me, crusty bread for swooping through that leftover cheese sauce is a must.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in individual mini casserole dishes or shallow bowls for an upscale restaurant feel. Or, pile everything family-style onto a beautiful platter and let everyone dig in—it’s a showstopper centerpiece that encourages joy and conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream—simply store any extra Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and become even more luscious overnight!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, store just the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni separately in freezer-safe containers for best results. The sauce may thicken once thawed, but a splash of cream or milk when reheating brings it right back to life. Freeze for up to one month.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta and steak together in a skillet over low heat, adding a little cream or reserved pasta water to keep things extra creamy. The microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop delivers the very best texture!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you need an easy dinner with real wow-factor, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the answer. Rich, garlicky steak tips and pillowy, cheesy pasta create the sort of meal everyone at the table will talk about long after the plates are clean. Treat yourself—you deserve every delicious bite!

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