Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

The moment you take your first bite of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, you’ll forget every ordinary weeknight meal you’ve ever had. This irresistible dish brings together juicy, garlicky steak tips and blanket-worthy cheesy pasta for the ultimate, cozy dinner you’ll crave over and over again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a ton of fancy ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, but each one is key to building amazing flavor and irresistible texture. Every item, from the steak to the spices, plays a starring role in making this dish memorable and satisfying.

• Steak tips: Tender beef cut into bite-sized pieces, soaks up all the garlicky, buttery goodness and stays juicy.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the steak and pasta sauce for smoothness and flavor—you need it in both steps!
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the steak tips their signature aromatic punch.
• Olive oil: Helps develop that gorgeous sear on your steak and prevents sticking.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in both the steak and the creamy pasta.
• Rigatoni pasta: Tube-shaped pasta with ridges for catching all that cheesy sauce—sturdy and extra satisfying.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy cheese pulls in the sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth that balances the mozzarella’s mildness.
• Heavy cream: The secret to a lusciously smooth and decadent cheese sauce.
• Butter (in sauce): Just a pat to start the sauce base and amplify richness.
• Garlic powder: Layers in mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.

Variations

This recipe is already packed with flavor, but Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni welcomes improvisation! You can make easy swaps or tweaks to suit your cravings, dietary needs, or simply what you have hanging out in the fridge.

• Chicken or Shrimp Swap: Use cubed chicken breast or peeled shrimp in place of steak for a lighter, just-as-tasty twist.
• Add Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or bell pepper with your steak tips for a boost of nutrition and color.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or steak tips for gentle heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni to make this dish safe for everyone at the table.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil and add your rigatoni. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente—you want it tender but with a satisfying little bite! Once cooked, drain well and set aside, ready to catch all that glorious cheesy sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your steak tips in a single layer; don’t overcrowd the pan! Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, letting them develop a deep, caramelized crust for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Bathe in Garlic Butter

Once the steak tips are beautifully browned, lower the heat and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Toss the steak in the fragrant, sizzling garlic butter for about a minute—this is where the magic happens! Remove from heat to keep the steak tender and juicy.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. When the mixture is steamy (but not boiling), stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Keep whisking until the sauce turns luxuriously smooth and creamy—no lumps, just pure comfort!

Step 5: Toss and Combine

Add your drained rigatoni directly into the saucepan and toss to coat every noodle in that velvety cheese sauce. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first—the pasta soaks it up beautifully for the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the cheesy rigatoni onto plates or into shallow bowls, then pile the garlic butter steak tips right on top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for flair and freshness. Serve hot, and watch everyone around the table light up at the sight!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

A finishing touch of freshly chopped parsley or basil wakes up the plate and cuts through the richness, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even crushed red pepper flakes adds color and zing. Don’t be shy—let your inner chef get creative with those last little flourishes on your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty main with a crisp green salad (think arugula or baby spinach tossed with lemony dressing) or some simple roasted asparagus. Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any cheesy sauce left behind—a move you definitely won’t regret!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in shallow bowls for a rustic, cozy vibe, or try layering the pasta and steak in a large serving platter to turn heads at the dinner table. For a fun family-style presentation, bring everything out bubbling hot in a skillet or casserole and let everyone dig in straight from the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store everything in an airtight container to preserve the steak’s tenderness and the sauce’s creaminess.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, let the pasta and steak cool to room temperature, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. Microwave works too—cover and use short bursts, stirring frequently to keep the cheese from separating and the steak tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for comfort food that’s both special and unpretentious, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is your new go-to. Every forkful delivers craveable flavor and pure comfort. Treat yourself—and maybe a lucky friend or two—to this cozy dish soon. You’ll be counting down to leftovers (if there are any)!

Print