If you’re craving something cozy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Imagine tender, juicy steak tips bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, anchored by the creamy, cheesy embrace of rigatoni pasta. Every bite delivers the perfect harmony of savory and rich, with fresh herbs adding a delightful brightness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-style meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the rich butter that adds creaminess to the fresh herbs that enliven the dish, these essentials come together to make magic on your plate.
- 1 lb steak tips: Choose sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect fat to sear the steak, giving it a wonderful crust.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter creates the silky garlic sauce that the steak and rigatoni swim in.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional): Adds a piney, fragrant note that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional): Offers subtle earthiness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the steak and the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: These ridged tubes hold onto the cheesy sauce wonderfully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The richness that makes the sauce decadently smooth.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth for ultimate cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Brings a fresh, green pop of color that livens the plate.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat: Adds just the right kick if you love a little spice.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by cooking your rigatoni according to the package instructions so it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy liquid will be a superstar later in pulling your creamy sauce together and ensuring it clings beautifully to every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
While the pasta cooks, season the steak tips generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it’s shimmering hot. Lay in the steak tips and cook each side for 3-4 minutes, getting a gorgeous golden crust while locking in juiciness. Once done to your liking, set the steak aside to rest — this little pause keeps them tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and gently cook it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, releasing its wonderful aroma. Now add the remaining butter along with your fresh rosemary and thyme if using; stir everything to create a vibrant, herb-infused butter sauce that’s downright irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Steak, Pasta, and Cheesy Sauce
Return the steak tips to the skillet and stir them around to coat well in the garlic butter goodness. Then add the drained rigatoni, heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine, slowly incorporating some reserved pasta water a little at a time until your sauce reaches the perfect silky, creamy consistency that clings to pasta and steak alike.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give everything a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to suit your mood. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve this dish piping hot. This moment is the reward of creamy, savory comfort on a plate, letting all those flavors shine.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic touch that adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. If you love a bit of heat, a few red pepper flakes scattered on top give the dish an exciting spark. For a gourmet finish, a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts.
Side Dishes
Balance out this creamy, indulgent plate with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and rounds out a meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating individual portions with a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top to echo the flavors inside. You can also serve the steak tips slightly separated from the rigatoni with drizzle of garlic butter on the side to let guests customize their bites. Using colorful serving bowls or rustic cast iron skillets brings a cozy, inviting vibe that makes this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to keep it fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the fresh herbs and parsley garnish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. This will restore the creamy texture without drying out the steak. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but be sure to cover your dish to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye steak tips are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak sliced into bite-sized pieces. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.
What type of rigatoni works best for this dish?
Regular dried rigatoni works wonderfully due to its ridges that hold onto the cheesy sauce. If you want a gluten-free option, there are plenty of gluten-free rigatoni brands available that will work just as well.
Can I prepare this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up nicely. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use a large enough skillet or cook in batches to maintain proper searing and sauce consistency.
How do I make the steak tips more tender?
For extra tenderness, marinate the steak tips in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. Also, resting the steak after searing helps juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and celebratory about this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for a special night in or a casual gathering, this dish promises to be a standout favorite that everyone will ask for again and again. Give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe features tender, juicy steak tips seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Combined with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta, this hearty meal is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Steak and Sauce
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Begin by cooking the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
- Cook the Steak Tips: Season the steak tips generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steak tips and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the remaining butter, chopped rosemary, and thyme (if using), cooking for another minute while stirring to combine flavors.
- Combine Steak and Pasta with Sauce: Return the steak tips to the skillet and stir them to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Add the drained rigatoni pasta, heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine, adding reserved pasta water slowly until the sauce reaches a creamy, desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes when tossing the pasta with the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak tips; adjust cooking time based on thickness and preference.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme elevate the sauce but can be omitted if unavailable.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or another tubular pasta shape.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it.
