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
Scale
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.