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Flavorful Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Easy Recipe

Cajun steak tips rigatoni parmesan sauce - featured image
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A quick and hearty dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips tossed with rigatoni pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 ounces (340g) rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Toss them with Cajun seasoning and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente (about 11-13 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup (120ml) pasta water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping browned bits from the pan.
  6. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Fold steak tips back in and cook together for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat steak dry to ensure good sear; do not overcrowd pan to avoid steaming meat. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, rigatoni, parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, steak pasta, Cajun seasoning

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