Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

This Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni Parmesan sauce recipe is one of our family’s favorite comfort dinners. It is creamy, bold, and ready in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired

Keyword: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni Parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, easy family dinner, steak pasta recipe

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings: servings

Calories: 680kcal

Cost: $18

Equipment

1 Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Use a heavy-bottomed pan for the best steak sear
1 Large pot For boiling the rigatoni
1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
1 Sharp knife Cut steak into even 1-inch cubes
1 Box grater or microplane Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly

Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak Tips

1 ½ pounds sirloin steak tips Cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
3 cloves garlic minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
to taste salt
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Pat the sirloin steak tips dry and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stir, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese gradually until smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and salt to taste.
Add rigatoni to the sauce, then gently fold in the seared steak tips. Cook together for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Chicken or shrimp can be used instead of steak, with adjusted cooking times.
Freshly grated Parmesan creates a smoother sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
This is one of those dinners that turns a regular night into a memory, and those are the recipes I want my daughter to carry with her.

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