Savor Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips, a rich, comforting dish that melts hearts and satisfies every craving. This recipe perfectly blends tender steak tips cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with cheesy, baked rigatoni, creating a comforting meal that’s both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a special dinner, this dish promises warmth and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy cheese and buttery steak combine for a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Perfect Balance: Tender steak tips complement the robust rigatoni pasta, creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Uses straightforward pantry staples that come together to make an impressive dish.
Great for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Customizable: Adapts easily to fit dietary needs or preferences without losing its magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips are simple yet essential for the rich, creamy, and savory qualities that define this dish. Each one is chosen to build layers of flavor, provide varied textures, and ensure a balanced finish.

Rigatoni Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully thanks to its ridged, tubular shape.
Steak Tips: Tender, flavorful cuts that sear perfectly in garlic butter for juicy bites.
Garlic Butter: A fragrant base that enhances the steak and pasta with richness and aroma.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Melt into a gooey, golden topping that elevates the dish to cheesy indulgence.
Heavy Cream: Creates a velvety sauce that envelops the rigatoni and steak pieces.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Basil): Add a pop of color and a fresh counterpoint to the richness.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.

Variations for Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you want to accommodate specific tastes, add extra nutrition, or swap ingredients, you’ll find flexibility without losing its soul-soothing essence.

Protein Swap: Replace steak tips with chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter or seafood twist.
Cheese Variations: Try gouda or fontina for a different cheesy flavor or add blue cheese for a bold kick.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the steak and add roasted mushrooms or eggplant for hearty texture.
Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle heat and smokiness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rigatoni pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivity.

Why Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips Melts Hearts

How to Make Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Tips

Heat a generous tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the steak tips, season with salt and pepper, and sear each side until browned but still juicy inside. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and add chopped garlic, cooking gently to infuse the fat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the steak for added flavor. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni back into the skillet and toss it gently in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick to help it coat the pasta evenly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the sauced rigatoni into a baking dish, nestle the cooked steak tips throughout, and generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let butter and cream sit out briefly to blend smoothly into your sauce.
Don’t Overcook Steak: Sear steak tips just enough to retain juiciness; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Reserve Pasta Water: Helps loosen sauce and create a silky texture when tossing pasta.
Cheese Distribution: Mix some cheese into the pasta for gooey bites and reserve some to form a crunchy crust on top.
Fresh Herbs at the End: Add parsley or basil after baking for a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few basil leaves will add freshness and color. For extra zing, a little grated lemon zest brightens the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This hearty feast pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve directly from the casserole dish for a rustic feel or portion out onto warm plates and drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce. Adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or grated cheese at the table invites personalization.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen but the pasta remains tender.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the pasta too long as it may soften slightly after thawing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwave reheating without moisture to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for catching the sauce, penne, ziti, or even shells will work nicely in this recipe.

What cut of steak is best for the steak tips?

Sirloin or ribeye cut into bite-sized pieces work best for tenderness and flavor when sautéed quickly.

Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a family-friendly dish with comforting flavors, but adjust the seasoning or skip spicy additions if preferred.

Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can replace steak tips with hearty vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or tofu cubes.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, cream alternatives like coconut cream, and vegan cheese substitutes to keep the creamy texture while avoiding dairy.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of digging into Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips—a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to every meal. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor every delicious bite that melts hearts instantly.

Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips

Print Recipe

Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy steak tips cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy baked rigatoni pasta. This hearty and indulgent meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering warmth and satisfying flavors in every bite.

Author: Kathy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free rigatoni)

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Steak Tips and Sauce

1 pound steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: grated lemon zest, chili flakes (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
Cook the Steak Tips: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the steak tips, season with salt and pepper, and sear each side until browned but still juicy inside, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and keep warm.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the rest of the minced garlic. Cook gently until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits left from the steak. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the creamy rigatoni to a baking dish, nestle the cooked steak tips throughout the pasta, and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and optionally add lemon zest or chili flakes for extra brightness and heat. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and cream to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
Don’t overcook the steak tips; they should be seared just until browned as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce and creates a silkier texture when mixing with the pasta.
Mix some cheese into the pasta before baking for gooey bites and use the rest to create a golden crust on top.
Add fresh herbs after baking for a fresh and vibrant flavor contrast.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Cheesy rigatoni, garlic butter steak tips, baked pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta, steak recipe