Get ready to treat yourself to total comfort food bliss with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Imagine juicy, seared steak pieces smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce tossed with tender rigatoni coated in melty mozzarella and Parmesan. This dish is an irresistible marriage of creamy pasta and savory steak that always feels a little bit special but is easy enough for any night of the week. Whether you’ve got family to impress or just want to spoil yourself with something hearty and cheesy, this recipe covers all the bases!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe? It relies on a handful of simple, flavorful staples. Every ingredient in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni serves a purpose, creating layers of flavor, creaminess, and that signature golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each addition:

Sirloin steak tips (1 pound): These become incredibly tender and flavorful, soaking up all the garlicky goodness.
Salt and pepper: Simple, but essential for bringing out the best in your steak.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives the steak that gorgeous sear and extra depth of flavor.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The magic behind that rich, velvety garlic sauce.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Because garlic and steak are an unbeatable combo—expect delicious aromas!
Fresh or dried thyme (1 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon dried): Adds a subtle earthiness and herby freshness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For an optional touch of heat to balance the richness.
Rigatoni pasta (12 ounces): Its ridges grab onto all that cheesy, creamy sauce for perfect bites every time.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to a silky, indulgent sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings salty, nutty flavor that complements both the steak and the sauce.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little goes a long way, adding warmth and subtle complexity.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish with flair.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. The pasta should be tender but with just enough bite. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside—you’ll want it ready to join the creamy sauce later!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Tips

Season your bite-sized steak tips liberally with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (you want a lovely sear, not steam). Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until gorgeously browned and cooked just the way you like. Transfer the steak tips to a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and (if you’re feeling bold) crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for one or two minutes until your whole kitchen smells downright amazing. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy and Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer; this is what gives the dish its decadent, creamy texture. Next, introduce the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, along with a pinch of nutmeg if you like a whisper of warmth. Stir until the sauce is gloriously smooth, and the cheese is melted into a stretchy, creamy dream.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta and Steak Tips

Tip the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and toss well to ensure every tube is blanketed in sauce. Gently fold in the steak tips and let everything mingle together for another two to three minutes, just long enough to heat through and let the flavors marry. Your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is ready for the finishing touch!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley transforms the look of your bowl, adding a burst of green freshness. For an extra pop, dust with a little extra Parmesan or a grind of black pepper right before serving. Simple, colorful, and irresistible!

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted broccoli to add brightness and balance. Warm, crusty bread is also a favorite—perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pasta in a large, family-style platter for an inviting, rustic touch at the table. For a more elegant dinner, plate individual servings in shallow bowls and finish with that parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. You could even bake the finished dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for truly crave-worthy next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes quite well. Portion the cooled pasta and steak into freezer-friendly containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that creamy sauce texture.

Reheating

For reheating, simply warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Always heat just until warmed through for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips are tender and flavorful, sliced ribeye, New York strip, or even filet mignon also work fantastic in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Just aim for evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

How can I add vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted peppers during the cheese sauce step. These additions not only up the nutrition but also blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

What’s the best type Main Course

Any chunky, tube-shaped pasta like penne or ziti works well as a substitute. The key is choosing a pasta shape that can trap plenty of that cheesy, garlicky sauce in every bite!

Is there a lighter version of this dish?

You can lighten things up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and picking a part-skim mozzarella. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but you’ll still enjoy all the cozy, cheesy comfort of the original.

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely! You can prep everything up to the point where the steak and pasta are ready. Toss them together with the sauce just before serving and reheat gently on the stove. With a little extra cheese on top, you can even pop it under the broiler for a quick finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving rich flavor and total comfort, don’t wait—put Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni on your menu this week. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels extra special without any fuss, and after one bite, you’ll see why it’s a forever favorite at our table. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delicious meal with this recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Tender steak tips are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and combined with creamy rigatoni pasta for a flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Tips:

1 pound sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Rigatoni:

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Steak Tips: Season steak tips, sear in a skillet until browned, and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir in cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Cook until creamy.
Combine and Serve: Toss rigatoni in the sauce, add steak tips, and heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve.