Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a bold, flavor-packed dish that combines tender, spice-rubbed beef steak tips with creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce tossed with hearty rigatoni pasta for an unforgettable comfort meal. If you’re hunting for a bold weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and quick, this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is for you.
In this post I’ll walk you through a flavorful method that delivers tender, spicy steak tips folded into a creamy, cheesy rigatoni – perfect for busy home cooks, beginner-friendly, and budget-conscious families. Keep reading to learn the key techniques, practical tips, and exact ingredients you’ll need to make this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni at home tonight.
Table of Contents
Why This Might Become Your New Favorite
This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni earns a permanent spot in the rotation because it combines craveable comfort food with efficient prep and big flavor. It’s easy to scale up for guests, time-saving when you batch-cook the sauce, and affordable when you choose lean steak tips or sirloin tips on sale. Emotionally, it hits nostalgia (cheesy pasta) and excitement (Cajun spice), making it comfort food with a kick.
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the steak tips dry and toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the rigatoni.
- Add rigatoni to boiling water and cook to 1–2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear steak tips in a single layer until a deep brown crust forms, about 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, then sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer to thicken, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Add mozzarella and stir until melted.
- Return steak tips to the skillet and simmer for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Fold in drained rigatoni until evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
What You’ll Need to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- 1½ lb beef steak tips (sirloin or ribeye tips) – bite-sized for fast searing.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta – sturdy tubes hold sauce; whole wheat optional for fiber.
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning – homemade or store-bought; adjust heat to taste.
- 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter – olive oil for searing, butter for sauce richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced – builds savory base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic flavor lift.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or orange) – sweetness and color.
- 1 cup heavy cream – creates creamy parmesan sauce; sub milk + roux if lighter.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – key to cheesy rigatoni texture and salt.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – melty, stretchy cheese effect.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – deepens smoky profile.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – umami boost.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – balance the seasonings.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – garnish for color and freshness.
Equipment
- Heavy skillet or cast iron pan for searing steak tips (essential for a good crust).
- Large pot for boiling rigatoni.
- Wooden spoon and tongs for tossing.
- Optional: meat thermometer (affiliate-friendly: a reliable instant-read thermometer helps hit the right doneness).
- Optional: immersion blender or whisk for silky sauce.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prep and season
Pat the steak tips dry and toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Let rest for 10 minutes so the rub adheres.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the rigatoni.
2. Cook the rigatoni
Add rigatoni to boiling water and cook to 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Sear the steak tips
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear steak tips in a single layer until a deep brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare depending on size. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Checking doneness – use an instant-read thermometer; aim for 145°F and a 3-minute rest per USDA.
4. Make the sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, then sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer to thicken, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add mozzarella and stir until melted.
5. Combine and finish
Return steak tips to the skillet and simmer 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Fold in drained rigatoni until evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish and serve
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- For tender steak tips: do not crowd the pan. Overcrowding causes steaming, not searing. Work in batches if necessary.
- Spice control: start with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, but if you’re new to spicy food, use 1 tablespoon and add more later.
- Sauce consistency: if the sauce is too thin, simmer gently to reduce; if too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time. This builds a silky emulsion that clings to rigatoni.
- Cheese texture: freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated packets, which can be grainy due to anti-caking agents.
- Common mistake: adding cold cream straight to a hot pan can cause curdling. Temper the cream by stirring in a little warm sauce first.
Best Ways to Use and Easy Variations
- Serve with a light green salad and lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- For full meal prep: make double the sauce and steak tips, freeze half for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Easy variations:
- Swap rigatoni for penne, ziti, or casarecce.
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half and reducing cheese to taste.
- Add mushrooms and spinach for extra veg and texture.
- Creative uses: spoon leftovers over baked potatoes, use as a hearty pasta bake topped with extra mozzarella, or stuff into bell peppers for stuffed pasta-pepper boats. Transform your Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni into multiple meals with these simple adaptations.
How Long It Keeps and How to Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store cooled Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore saucy texture. Microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between, to avoid overheating.
Health Benefits and Value Facts
Approximate per-serving estimate (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 520-650
- Protein: 28-36 g
- Fat: 28-36 g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45 g
Exact values vary by cut of steak and cheese quantity.
Health benefits: beef steak tips provide iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Using whole-grain rigatoni adds fiber; substituting half-and-half or milk lowers saturated fat.
Key takeaways: this dish is protein-forward, satiating, and can be balanced with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out micronutrients.
Food Safety
- Hygiene: Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw beef to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables when possible.
- Safe internal temperature: Cook steak tips to at least 145°F (63°C) and allow a 3-minute rest to ensure safety while maintaining juiciness.
- Storage safety: Cool leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate promptly. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.
FAQs
Can I make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the steak tips and sauce, then store separately from cooked rigatoni for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and combine when ready to serve for best texture.
What cut of beef is best for steak tips?
Sirloin tips, tri-tip, or skirt steak work well. Choose tender cuts that sear quickly; marinated tougher cuts can also be used if sliced thinly against the grain.
How can I reduce the spice without losing flavor?
Lower the Cajun seasoning by half and add smoked paprika and garlic for depth. Stir in a spoonful of cream or Greek yogurt at the end to mellow heat while keeping richness.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free rigatoni and verify that your Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry instead of wheat-based roux if needed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze cooled combined or separated portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to restore creaminess.
Conclusion
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is an easy, flavorful weeknight solution that balances comfort and spice while remaining beginner-friendly and time-efficient. With clear steps, practical tips, and storage advice, you can confidently make this dish ahead, scale it for guests, or adapt it for dietary needs. For an example of a tested recipe and plating inspiration, see this detailed version: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. Try it tonight and let the savory, creamy combination become your new favorite dinner.
