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Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips

Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak Tips
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/cheesy-rigatoni-with-garlic-butter-steak-tips/