Name: Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste; Salt and black pepper to taste; 10 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

If you love bold flavors and comforting dishes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner. I absolutely love how the spicy, smoky steak bites pair perfectly with the rich, creamy cheesy pasta — it’s like a cozy hug on a plate. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your version is just as delicious as mine!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of spice and creaminess: The Cajun seasoning gives a nice kick that complements the rich, cheesy sauce beautifully.
Quick and easy to prepare: You can have this on the table in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Versatile for family or guests: Trust me, my family goes crazy for this dish every time I make it!
Comfort food with a gourmet twist: The combination of tender steak tips and creamy rigatoni feels luxurious without the fuss.

A white bowl filled with three layers of food. The bottom layer is creamy rigatoni pasta with a light yellow color and smooth texture. On top of the pasta, there are browned pieces of beef, roughly shaped and seared with a crispy outer surface and dark brown color. The whole dish is sprinkled with grated cheese that looks white and fine, along with small, bright green parsley leaves scattered evenly for a fresh look. The bowl sits on a wooden table with blurred neutral kitchen background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta, Cajun steak tips, cheesy pasta recipes, easy Cajun dinner, flavorful steak pasta dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, creating a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor. When shopping, opt for fresh, quality steak and freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

Flat lay of fresh sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes, dry Cajun seasoning sprinkled beside the steak, a small pile of uncooked rigatoni pasta, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with creamy heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl containing a pat of unsalted butter, a small heap of coarse sea salt, and a few whole black peppercorns, all neatly arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta, Cajun steak tips, cheesy pasta recipes, easy Cajun dinner, flavorful steak pasta dish

Sirloin or ribeye steak: These cuts are tender and flavorful, perfect for quick searing and absorbing the Cajun spices.
Rigatoni pasta: The ridges and hollow shape hold onto the cheesy sauce wonderfully.
Cajun seasoning: Look for a mix with smoked paprika, garlic, and cayenne for that authentic kick.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the dish.
Olive oil: Helps in searing the steak and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant base for the sauce.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates that rich, silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For smooth melting and deep umami notes.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Adds extra creamy softness—totally optional but highly recommended.
Salt and black pepper: To season and balance the dish to your taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe my own by tweaking a few ingredients here and there. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find it’s super forgiving and easy to customize.

Spice level adjustment: I sometimes add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if we’re in the mood for more heat, but you can easily tone it down for kids by reducing the Cajun seasoning.
Cheese swaps: If you don’t have mozzarella, sharp cheddar or gouda also melt nicely and add different flavor dimensions.
Protein variations: When I’m short on steak, I’ve used chicken breast cubes seasoned the same way—still delicious!
Veggie add-ins: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms along with the steak for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Steak to Lock in Flavor

Start by patting your steak cubes dry—this is key to getting a beautiful brown crust. Toss them with about a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning so every bite is packed with flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and half the butter. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer and sear until each side is nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per batch depending on your skillet size. Don’t crowd the pan or the meat will steam instead of sear. When done, set the steak aside on a plate to rest.

Step 2: Cook Rigatoni to Al Dente Perfection

While the steak is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni and cook until just al dente—tender but with a little bite left. I usually set a timer for a minute or two less than the package suggests and then taste test to avoid mush. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water and keep it handy for adjusting the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Luxurious Cheesy Sauce

In the same skillet you seared the steak (don’t clean it yet—those browned bits are pure flavor gold), melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—you don’t want it to burn. Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together and Enjoy!

Return the steak tips back into the skillet with your cheesy sauce, then add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything to combine well, making sure every pasta piece is coated and steak bites are nestled throughout. Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if you want a bolder bite. Serve immediately—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe

Pat your steak dry: Moisture on the meat can prevent a good sear, so blotting it dry makes a huge flavor difference.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy water is a magic ingredient to loosen your sauce without watering down flavor.
Don’t rush the searing process: Give your steak space in the pan and don’t stir too often so it browns beautifully.
Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-grated parmesan often has additives that affect melting; freshly grated ensures a silky sauce.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe

Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top—not only does it add a pop of color, but the freshness brightens up the whole dish. Sometimes a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or an extra dusting of Parmesan rounds it off nicely, especially if you want it cheesier.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and hearty, I pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is another favorite—soaking up that cheesy sauce is heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins or deep pasta bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top. It immediately makes the meal feel restaurant-worthy and super inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers tempting to reheat!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times for busy nights, and it reheats well if you thaw it in the fridge first. Be aware the pasta can get a bit softer after freezing, so I sometimes undercook the pasta slightly when first making it.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the saucy creaminess. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the cheesy sauce thanks to its ridges and tube shape, penne, shells, or even fusilli are excellent alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The spice level is moderate and depends on the Cajun seasoning brand you use. If you or your family prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount or opt for a milder cajun blend. You can always add heat later with hot sauce or cayenne.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary somewhat but it can still taste fantastic.
What’s the best way to slice the steak for tender tips?

Cut your steak against the grain into 1-inch cubes. This breaks down muscle fibers and ensures each bite is tender rather than chewy.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Pasta Recipe is one of my absolute go-to meals when I want something comforting but a little special. It brings together spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors in a way that always impresses and satisfies hungry appetites. If you try it, remember: don’t rush the searing step and definitely save some pasta water—it’s the secret to perfect sauce every time. I’m excited for you to enjoy this as much as my family does!