Description: This recipe combines tender, Cajun-spiced steak tips with a creamy, decadent cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home!
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Steak Tips:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (to tie the flavor together)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked firm, not mushy. It’s crucial because the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta well, but reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It helps to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick and also helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a luscious and cohesive dish. Set the drained pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Tips: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the steak tips. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the steak tips, 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the steak tips are evenly coated with the spice mixture. The Cajun seasoning provides a spicy and savory base, while the garlic powder adds aromatic depth and the smoked paprika lends a subtle smoky flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also be added for extra heat.
Step 3: Sear the Cajun Steak Tips: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be hot enough to sear the steak tips properly, creating a beautiful crust and locking in the juices. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the steak tips to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the steak tips to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the steak tips in batches. Sear the steak tips for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F. In the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. The butter will melt and create a rich, flavorful sauce. Spoon the melted butter over the steak tips as they finish cooking, adding extra richness and shine. Remove the cooked steak tips from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Craft the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet you used to cook the steak tips (this ensures you capture all the delicious browned bits and flavors), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Reduce the heat if necessary. Pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and ½ cup of whole milk. The combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce. Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it is fully melted and incorporated into the cream mixture. The cream cheese adds tanginess and helps to thicken the sauce. Stir in 1 ¼ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. The mozzarella cheese adds extra meltiness and stretch to the sauce. Add ½ tsp of Cajun seasoning (this ties the flavors together!) and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the cheesy parmesan sauce and toss gently until the pasta is well coated. Gently fold in the cooked Cajun steak tips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This step is crucial for allowing the sauce to fully coat the pasta and for the steak tips to absorb some of the sauce’s flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce hot and saucy.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe is a flavor explosion! The combination of the spicy Cajun steak tips with the creamy, cheesy parmesan rigatoni is simply irresistible. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even though it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. The recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level, use different types of cheese, or add other vegetables to the sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats makes it a satisfying and complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad to add freshness and balance to the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the flavors of the dish.
- For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the steak tips. They will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak tips in Cajun seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don’t have rigatoni pasta, you can substitute other types of pasta, such as penne or ziti.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 875 per serving
- Protein: 55g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Conclusion
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a truly delightful and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and creamy, making it a guaranteed hit with family and friends. With its relatively simple preparation and customizable nature, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen! Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye steak tips are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can certainly use other cuts of steak that are suitable for quick searing, such as flank steak, strip steak, or even tenderloin. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: I don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Yes, you can! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create your own blend by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Start with equal parts of each spice and adjust the amounts to your liking. You can also use a pre-made Creole seasoning blend, which is similar to Cajun seasoning.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to serve this dish immediately after cooking, you can prepare some components ahead of time. For example, you can cook the steak tips and prepare the cheesy parmesan sauce separately, then combine them with the cooked pasta just before serving. However, keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of pasta water to thin it out when reheating.
Q4: Is this recipe suitable for leftovers?
A: Yes, this recipe is great for leftovers! Store any leftover Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some great options include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic and making the sauce. This dish is very versatile and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
