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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, juicy steak bites cooked in rich garlic butter with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. Quick and elegant, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory richness and satisfying texture for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Seasonings

  • 1.5 lbs tender steak tips (sirloin or tenderloin tips recommended)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced

Pasta and Cheese Sauce

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Optional: fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rigatoni: Cook rigatoni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the steak tips and sauce.
  2. Sear the Steak Tips: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Season steak tips with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until browned on all sides but still juicy inside, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove steak and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and stir in the cheese blend (mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar) until melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
  4. Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked rigatoni back to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Return the steak tips to the pan, mixing everything together gently so the steak warms through without overcooking.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Season with fresh herbs and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the cheesy richness at its best.

Notes

  • Choose quality steak cuts like sirloin or tenderloin tips for juicier results.
  • Do not overcook the steak; sear until just medium-rare to maintain tenderness — residual heat will finish cooking.
  • Minced garlic should be finely chopped to evenly infuse the butter sauce without overpowering bites.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier, meltier sauce instead of pre-shredded cheese.
  • Toss pasta while hot to allow it to fully absorb the cheese sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
  • The dish can be frozen in portions for up to 2 months using freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, steak pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, creamy pasta, garlic butter sauce

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