Looking for a bold and satisfying dinner that combines tender steak with rich, cheesy pasta? This Cajun Beef Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Juicy, Cajun-seasoned steak tips are pan-seared to perfection and served over creamy rigatoni coated in a savory garlic parmesan cheese sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Beef Tips:
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Cajun Beef Tips
- In a mixing bowl, toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned beef tips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in grated Parmesan, mozzarella cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing until fully coated. Serve the cheesy pasta on a plate or in a bowl, topped with the warm Cajun beef tips. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Size: 4–5 portions
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Estimated Calories: ~650 kcal per serving (varies with cut of beef and cheese)
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