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Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a bold and comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender steak tips in a creamy, cheesy rigatoni sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 585
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 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 for searing
  • 1 tbsp butter for sauce richness
  • 1 medium onion, diced builds savory base
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced aromatic flavor lift
  • 1 medium 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
  • to taste Salt and black pepper balance the seasonings
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped garnish for color and freshness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the steak tips dry and toss with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the rigatoni.
Cooking the Rigatoni
  1. 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.
Searing the Steak Tips
  1. 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.
  2. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, then sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer to thicken, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
  4. Add mozzarella and stir until melted.
Combining and Finishing
  1. Return steak tips to the skillet and simmer for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
  2. Fold in drained rigatoni until evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
  3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, do not crowd the pan when searing steak tips. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. Ensure the cream is tempered to avoid curdling.