Name: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 strip steaks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 16 oz rigatoni pasta; Red pepper flakes; Oregano; Thyme; Sun-dried tomatoes

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a deliciously indulgent dish that blends succulent steak with a rich, cheesy pasta, creating the perfect comfort food meal. The garlic butter-coated steak tips pair beautifully with the creamy rigatoni enveloped in a Parmesan-infused sauce. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is quick to make and sure to satisfy every craving.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, the garlic butter steak tips are full of flavor and are complemented by a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. The addition of rigatoni pasta ensures a hearty meal, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy twist. Plus, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy yet impressive choice for dinner. The best part? It’s simple to prepare but looks and tastes like a dish straight from a restaurant menu.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 strip steaks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 oz rigatoni pasta
Red pepper flakes
Oregano
Thyme
Sun-dried tomatoes

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Steak: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the strip steaks with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (oregano and thyme work well). Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. Remove from heat and let them rest before slicing into thin strips.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Sauce: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Combine: Add the sliced steak and rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the steak and pasta are evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Plate the steak and cheesy rigatoni, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make the dish even more flavorful and nutritious.
Use Different Pasta: While rigatoni is ideal, you can substitute with other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
Steak Substitution: If you prefer a leaner protein, you can use chicken breast in place of the steak.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to avoid drying out the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! You can use other cuts of beef such as flank steak or ribeye if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the rigatoni with a gluten-free pasta variety of your choice to make the dish gluten-free.

3. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

To make the dish dairy-free, you can replace the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and coconut cream. Use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas to the sauce. Just sauté the vegetables along with the garlic for extra flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time, then combine the pasta and steak just before serving. It will take less time to assemble and heat up the dish when you’re ready.

6. How do I prevent the steak from overcooking?

To prevent overcooking, remove the steak from the skillet as soon as it reaches your desired doneness, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures the steak stays juicy.

7. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best results, you can use pre-grated cheese as a substitute if you’re in a pinch.

8. Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not ideal to freeze pasta dishes with cream-based sauces as they may not retain their texture. However, you can freeze the steak and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat and combine with fresh pasta later.

9. Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option or don’t have chicken broth on hand.

10. Can I make this recipe with a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, in place of rigatoni, but you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a flavorful, indulgent dish that’s quick and easy to prepare yet full of rich, savory flavors. The tender steak, creamy pasta, and aromatic garlic butter sauce make for a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, this recipe will surely become a staple in your dinner rotation.