Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Impress your family with tender steak + creamy pasta in one pan

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The first time I prepared garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni, I was transported to a realm of culinary bliss. The tender, juicy steak tips bathed in aromatic garlic butter combined with al dente rigatoni coated in creamy cheese sauce created a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate.

As I’ve perfected this garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni recipe over the years, I’ve discovered its magical power to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. In this article, I’ll guide you through creating the perfect garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni – a dish that promises to impress even the most discerning food critics. Join me on this flavorful journey.

Garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni is a meal that will leave you craving more. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the robust flavors of steak or want to experience the comforting embrace of pasta in a new, exciting way. Let’s explore what makes garlic butter steak pasta with cheese so special and why it deserves a place at your dinner table.

Key Takeaways

• Learn the secrets to creating perfectly tender and flavorful garlic butter steak tips
• Discover the importance of using high-quality ingredients, including the right cut of steak and cheeses
• Understand how to achieve the ideal garlic butter sauce that enhances both the steak and pasta
• Get tips and tricks for creating the creamiest, cheesiest rigatoni that complements the steak tips
• Find out how to time your cooking perfectly for a cohesive, restaurant-quality meal
• Explore variations of the traditional recipe to customize it to your taste preferences
• Master the art of presentation to make your dish visually appealing

What Makes Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Special

The combination of succulent steak tips seared to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce alongside cheesy, creamy rigatoni makes this dish truly special. Cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak offers the perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates, creating a satisfying meal that appeals to the entire family. The dish’s versatility allows for customization while maintaining its core delicious elements.

The magic lies in the contrast of textures and flavors – tender beef against the slight chew of pasta, the richness of cheese against the sharpness of garlic, and the silky butter that brings everything together. This creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips has become a favorite in many households for good reason.

The Perfect Protein: Choosing the Right Steak Cuts

Selecting the right cut of beef is crucial for creating extraordinary steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni. The ideal cuts include sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak, which offer the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. These cuts contain sufficient marbling to keep the meat juicy during the quick cooking process required for this dish.

For the best results, choose steak that is bright red with even marbling throughout. This ensures each bite of your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese will be tender and flavorful. Premium cuts may cost more, but the difference in taste and texture is well worth the investment.

The Pasta Partner: Why Rigatoni Works Best

Rigatoni isn’t just any pasta – it’s the ideal canvas for this spectacular dish. Its tubular shape with ridges on the outside and smooth interior creates the perfect vessel for capturing both the creamy cheese sauce and the flavorful garlic butter. When preparing cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak, the pasta’s structure ensures that every bite delivers maximum flavor.

The substantial nature of rigatoni stands up well to the robust steak tips, creating a balanced bite that lesser pastas simply can’t achieve. The ridges also help the sauce cling to the pasta, ensuring that none of that delicious flavor is left behind on the plate.

The Science Behind the Perfect Garlic Butter

The garlic butter sauce is the heart and soul of this dish. When butter is infused with garlic and herbs over gentle heat, a chemical reaction occurs that enhances and melds the flavors. The fat-soluble compounds in garlic dissolve into the butter, creating a more complex and aromatic sauce than either ingredient could achieve alone.

This flavorful combination then coats both the steak tips and mingles with the cheese sauce, creating a cohesive dish where every element is elevated. The science of this simple sauce is what transforms basic ingredients into an unforgettable creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Creating the ultimate garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni requires thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component contributes to the dish’s rich flavor profile and satisfying texture. For this indulgent meal, you’ll need quality steak, pasta, cheese, and aromatic additions that elevate the entire experience.

The foundation of this magnificent dish includes:

• 1½ pounds high-quality sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

These carefully selected ingredients combine to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The starchy pasta water, reserved from cooking the rigatoni, serves as a secret ingredient that helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to both pasta and steak.

With these premium ingredients, you’ll create a restaurant-quality garlic butter steak pasta with cheese that will impress even the most discerning palates. Remember that using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in elevating this dish from good to extraordinary.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To create the perfect garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni, having the right tools at your disposal is essential. A well-equipped kitchen makes the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable. The proper equipment ensures your steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni turns out perfectly every time.

For this recipe, you’ll need these essential tools:

• Large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Sharp chef’s knife for cutting steak
• Cutting board (preferably with juice groove)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Microplane or garlic press
• Cheese grater
• Tongs for handling steak

Essential Cooking Tools

A heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, is crucial for achieving the perfect sear on your steak tips. This type of pan retains heat exceptionally well, creating that gorgeous caramelization that adds depth of flavor to your garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni.

A large pot with ample space allows the rigatoni to cook evenly without sticking together. This ensures perfectly al dente pasta that will hold up well when combined with the creamy cheese sauce and steak tips.

Optional Equipment for Professional Results

For those looking to elevate their creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips to restaurant quality, consider investing in these additional tools:

These tools, while not absolutely necessary, can take your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese from home-cooked to chef-prepared. The precision they offer allows for better control over the cooking process, resulting in a more refined final dish.

Preparing Your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Creating the perfect cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The process of making this delectable dish involves preparing the steak, cooking the pasta, and creating a luscious cheese sauce that brings everything together.

For an authentic garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni, you’ll need 1½ pounds of sirloin steak, 16 ounces of rigatoni, 6 tablespoons of butter, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 2½ cups of shredded cheese blend. These quantities ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your finished dish.

The preparation process is straightforward but requires timing and coordination to ensure all components come together at the right moment. This ensures your steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni has the ideal texture and temperature when served.

Preparing the Perfect Steak Tips

Begin by patting the steak dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a good sear. Cut the steak into consistent 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the meat to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add 2 tablespoons of oil with a high smoke point, like avocado or grapeseed oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak tips for 1-2 minutes per side until they develop a rich brown crust but remain medium-rare inside.

Remove the seared steak tips to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while preparing the garlic butter sauce that will transform these morsels into magnificent garlic butter steak pasta with cheese.

Cooking the Rigatoni to Perfection

While preparing the steak, cook the rigatoni in heavily salted water (it should taste like the sea) until it’s just shy of al dente – about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This slight undercooking allows the pasta to finish in the sauce without becoming mushy.

Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water – this starchy liquid is essential for creating a silky, cohesive sauce. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it; the surface starch helps the sauce adhere to the rigatoni, creating the perfect creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips.

The timing of your pasta cooking is crucial – you want it to finish just as your steak tips and sauce are ready to be combined. This synchronization ensures all elements of your dish come together at their peak of perfection.

The Art of Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce

The heart of any exceptional garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni lies in its luscious, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This velvety concoction elevates both the steak and pasta to new heights. Achieving the perfect balance requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort.

Creating this signature sauce for your garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni involves melding butter, garlic, and complementary herbs into a harmonious blend. The process must be handled with care to ensure the garlic infuses its flavor without burning and becoming bitter.

Here’s how to create the perfect garlic butter sauce:

• Use 6 tablespoons of high-quality unsalted butter
• Add 4-6 cloves of fresh, finely minced garlic
• Incorporate 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped thyme and rosemary
• Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat

Infusing the Butter with Garlic Flavor

Begin by melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. The key is to coax the flavor from the garlic without allowing it to burn, which would impart bitterness to your steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni.

Add the fresh herbs and continue to cook for another 30 seconds, allowing their essential oils to release into the butter. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point will be nothing short of intoxicating – a preview of the delights to come in your cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak.

Combining the Sauce with Steak and Pasta

Once your garlic butter sauce has reached the perfect flavor infusion, it’s time to reunite it with the seared steak tips. Return the steak to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the aromatic butter. Allow the meat to cook for just a minute more – you’re simply warming it through and allowing it to absorb the flavors, not continuing to cook it.

Next, add your al dente rigatoni directly to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, allowing the starchy pasta water to emulsify with the butter, creating a silky sauce that clings to both the pasta and the steak. This technique is what elevates a simple garlic butter steak pasta with cheese to a restaurant-worthy creation.

Creating the Ultimate Cheesy Rigatoni Base

The foundation of any outstanding garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni is the creamy, indulgent pasta that cradles those succulent meat morsels. Achieving the perfect cheese sauce requires understanding the interplay between cheese varieties, temperature control, and emulsification techniques.

For an extraordinary cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak, the cheese sauce must be smooth, rich, and clingy – coating each tube of pasta without becoming greasy or stringy. This component balances the bold flavors of the garlic butter steak bites, creating harmony in every forkful.

Choosing the Perfect Cheese Blend

The secret to the most luxurious creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips lies in combining cheeses with different properties:

• Parmesan: Provides sharp, salty depth and helps emulsify the sauce
• Mozzarella: Creates that coveted stretch and mild creaminess
• Fontina or Gruyère: Melts beautifully and adds nutty complexity
• Mascarpone or cream cheese: Introduces silky richness and stability

The ideal ratio for your cheese blend is:

Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. The extra effort of grating your own cheese pays tremendous dividends in the final texture of your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese.

Creating a Silky Cheese Sauce

To create the perfect cheese sauce for your steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni:

1. Start with ¾ cup of heavy cream in a separate saucepan, heating it gently until steaming but not boiling
2. Reduce heat to low and gradually add your cheese blend in small handfuls, whisking constantly
3. Allow each addition to melt completely before adding more
4. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to enhance creaminess
5. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, white pepper, and salt to taste

The resulting sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a silky, flowing consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more pasta water; if too thin, allow it to reduce slightly or add a touch more Parmesan.

This carefully crafted cheese sauce will transform your rigatoni into the perfect companion for your garlic butter steak tips, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its already magnificent parts.

The Art of Combining and Assembling Your Dish

The magic moment of creating perfect garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni comes when all components unite in harmonious splendor. This critical stage requires finesse and perfect timing to ensure your creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips achieves its full potential.

Proper assembly transforms individual elements into an integrated dish where flavors meld while textures remain distinct. For the most delectable garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni, follow this choreographed assembly process that professional chefs rely on.

The key is working quickly while each component is at its peak – your rigatoni should be perfectly al dente, your steak tips still juicy and medium-rare, and your sauces hot and fluid. This synchronization ensures your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese will be restaurant-quality.

Combining Pasta with Cheese Sauce

Begin with your cheesy base by adding the al dente rigatoni directly to the cheese sauce. Never rinse your pasta – the surface starch helps the sauce adhere. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce using tongs or a wooden spoon, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water and continue folding. The starchy water contains natural emulsifiers that help bind the sauce to the pasta, creating that silky, cohesive texture essential for authentic cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak.

Adding the Garlic Butter Steak Tips

Once your pasta is perfectly coated in cheese sauce, it’s time to incorporate those succulent steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni. You have two elegant approaches:

1. The Fold Method: Gently fold about two-thirds of the steak tips into the cheesy pasta, reserving the remainder for an attractive garnish on top. This ensures even distribution throughout the dish while creating visual appeal.
2. The Layer Method: Transfer half the cheesy pasta to a serving dish, arrange half the steak tips over it, then repeat with remaining pasta and steak. This creates distinct layers that allow diners to appreciate each component individually.

Final Touches for Presentation

The difference between good and extraordinary steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni often comes down to the final flourishes:

1. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the steak pan over the assembled dish
2. Add a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan
3. Scatter finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for color contrast and flavor brightness
4. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper
5. Optional: Add a light touch of high-quality finishing salt

These final touches not only enhance the visual appeal of your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese but also add layers of flavor that make each bite a new discovery.

Adding Complementary Sides and Pairings

While garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni is undoubtedly a complete meal on its own, thoughtfully selected sides and beverages can elevate the dining experience to new heights. The right accompaniments complement the rich flavors of cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak without overshadowing this magnificent main course.

Consider these perfect partners for your garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni that will create a balanced and memorable meal experience. From light vegetable sides to the ideal wine pairing, these additions will showcase your culinary sophistication.

Perfect Vegetable Sides

Balance the richness of creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips with bright, fresh vegetable sides:

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette: The peppery leaves and citrus notes cut through the richness
• Roasted asparagus with lemon zest: Provides textural contrast and earthy flavors
• Balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements the savory steak
• Simple garlic-sautéed spinach: Echoes the garlic notes while adding nutritional balance

Keep vegetable preparations simple to allow your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese to remain the star of the show. A light touch with seasoning prevents flavor competition on the palate.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

The perfect beverage can elevate your steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni from delicious to transcendent:

For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with fresh herbs, unsweetened iced tea with lemon, or a tart cranberry spritzer. These beverages provide palate-cleansing freshness without competing with your exquisite garlic butter steak pasta with cheese.

Bread and Starter Options

A thoughtfully chosen bread can be the perfect opening act for your main course:

• Crusty Italian bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
• Garlic bread: Reinforces the garlic notes in your dish
• Focaccia with rosemary: Provides herbal aromatics that complement the steak

Keep starters light and simple – a small antipasto plate or bruschetta with fresh tomatoes can awaken the appetite without diminishing enthusiasm for your magnificent creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks can encounter challenges when preparing garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni. Knowing how to address common problems ensures your dish will always be exceptional. From overcooked steak to broken cheese sauce, these solutions will save your culinary creation.

Understanding the science behind these issues helps prevent them in the future. Most problems with cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak stem from temperature management, ingredient quality, or timing. With these professional troubleshooting tips, you’ll master the art of perfect garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni every time.

Preventing Tough Steak Tips

Nothing diminishes the pleasure of garlic butter steak pasta with cheese like tough, chewy meat. Prevent this common issue by:

1. Choosing the right cut of steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work best)
2. Cutting against the grain when preparing your steak tips
3. Bringing meat to room temperature before cooking
4. Using a very hot pan for a quick sear rather than prolonged cooking
5. Resting meat before combining with pasta to retain juices

If you’ve accidentally overcooked your steak, try slicing it thinner than originally planned and allowing it to sit in the garlic butter sauce longer. The butter will help soften the meat and improve moisture content.

Fixing Broken or Grainy Cheese Sauce

A smooth cheese sauce is essential for perfect creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips. If your sauce breaks or becomes grainy:

For severely broken sauce, you can start over by making a small amount of béchamel (white sauce) and slowly incorporating the broken sauce into it while whisking continuously.

Pasta Problems and Solutions

Perfect pasta is crucial for steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni. Address these common pasta issues:

• Undercooked pasta: Return to the sauce and continue cooking with extra pasta water
• Overcooked pasta: Unfortunately, there’s no real fix. In the future, taste frequently and drain when slightly firmer than al dente
• Clumping pasta: Toss immediately with a small amount of olive oil if you can’t add it to the sauce right away
• Bland pasta: Always salt your pasta water until it tastes like seawater

Remember that properly cooked pasta should have a slight resistance when bitten – not crunchy but not mushy either. This texture stands up beautifully to the robust elements in your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese.

Creative Variations of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

The beauty of garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni lies in its adaptability. This versatile dish welcomes creative modifications while maintaining its soul-satisfying essence. By exploring variations, you can personalize this classic to suit different occasions, dietary needs, or simply to indulge your culinary creativity.

These inspired alternatives to traditional cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak will expand your recipe repertoire and prevent dining fatigue. From simple ingredient swaps to complete thematic overhauls, these variations will keep your garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni feeling fresh and exciting meal after meal.

Protein Variations

While steak tips create the classic version of this dish, other proteins can shine in this format:

• Garlic butter shrimp with cheesy rigatoni: Substitute jumbo shrimp for a seafood twist
• Italian sausage and garlic butter rigatoni: Add crumbled Italian sausage for a spicy alternative
• Grilled chicken with garlic butter rigatoni: Use marinated chicken for a lighter option
• Mixed grill rigatoni: Combine smaller portions of steak, chicken, and shrimp for an extravagant variation

Each protein brings its unique flavor profile to the dish while maintaining the comforting appeal of creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure each protein reaches its ideal doneness.

Cheese and Sauce Explorations

The cheese profile of your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese can be endlessly customized:

You can also explore different sauce bases beyond the traditional cheese sauce:

• Sundried tomato cream with garlic butter steak
• Pesto cream with parmesan and steak tips
• Roasted red pepper cream sauce with garlic steak

These variations maintain the spirit of steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni while offering new flavor dimensions to explore.

Dietary Adaptations

Modern dietary needs can be accommodated without sacrificing flavor:

• Gluten-free garlic butter steak pasta: Substitute gluten-free rigatoni
• Lower-carb option: Use half pasta, half roasted cauliflower florets
• Dairy-sensitive version: Use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast-based sauce
• Higher protein version: Double the steak, reduce pasta by one-third

These thoughtful adaptations ensure everyone can enjoy this magnificent dish regardless of dietary considerations. The core flavors of garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni remain intact while accommodating specific needs.

Storage and Serving Recommendations

Proper storage and reheating techniques preserve the excellence of your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni. When handled correctly, leftovers can be almost as delightful as the freshly made dish. These professional methods ensure your creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips maintains its appeal beyond the initial serving.

Understanding how to serve, store, and revive this magnificent dish allows you to enjoy your garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni over multiple meals. These techniques also make this dish ideal for meal prep or preparing components ahead for quick assembly later.

Optimal Storage Techniques

Store your steak tips in garlic butter sauce with rigatoni properly to maintain food safety and quality:

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature (but no longer than 2 hours after cooking)
• Transfer to shallow airtight containers to speed cooling and reheating
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
• Label containers with contents and date for easy identification

For best results, consider storing the pasta and steak components separately if you anticipate storage beyond one day. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and the steak from overcooking during reheating.

Reheating for Maximum Flavor

Revive your garlic butter steak pasta with cheese to near-original glory with these methods:

Regardless of method, the key is gentle reheating with added moisture to revitalize the sauce. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Presentation for Different Occasions

Adapt your presentation of cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak to suit various dining scenarios:

• Casual family dinner: Serve in a large, shallow pasta bowl with fresh herbs scattered on top
• Elegant entertaining: Individual pasta bowls with steak tips artfully arranged and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Buffet service: Maintain temperature in a chafing dish, with pasta and steak slightly undercooked initially to prevent overcooking
• Meal prep: Portion into microwave-safe containers with a small container of extra sauce to add upon reheating

These serving strategies ensure your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni makes the right impression whatever the occasion. The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for everything from quick weeknight dinners to sophisticated entertaining.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Creating the perfect garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni is a deeply rewarding culinary achievement. You now possess the knowledge, techniques, and insider tips to create this magnificent dish with confidence and flair. The combination of tender steak, aromatic garlic butter, and creamy cheese-coated pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will delight anyone fortunate enough to taste your creation.

The magic of this dish lies in the harmony of its components – each element distinct yet complementary to the others. Your garlic butter steak bites with cheesy rigatoni represents comfort food elevated to gourmet status, impressive enough for special occasions yet accessible enough for everyday enjoyment.

Continue to refine your approach to this versatile recipe. Experiment with different steak cuts, cheese blends, or pasta shapes. Make this cheesy rigatoni with garlic butter steak your signature dish, adapting it to your personal tastes and the preferences of your loved ones. The foundation you’ve learned here will support endless delicious variations.

The true joy of cooking comes from sharing food made with skill and love. Your creamy rigatoni with garlic steak tips will create moments of connection and pleasure around your table. Take pride in mastering this classic combination and enjoy the appreciation of those who experience your culinary artistry.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Impress your family with tender steak + creamy pasta in one pan

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 890 kcal

Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet

Ingredients

  

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For Steak & Sauce:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak 1″ cubes
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
• ½ cup beef broth

For Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups Parmesan freshly grated
• 1 cup mozzarella shredded
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt & pepper

Instructions

 

• Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
• Sear Steak: Pat steak dry, season. Sear in hot skillet 2 mins/side. Remove.
• Make Garlic Butter: Melt butter in skillet. Add garlic + rosemary, cook 1 min.
• Deglaze: Pour in broth, scrape browned bits. Simmer 3 mins.
• Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat. Stir in cream + cheeses until melted. Add nutmeg.
• Combine: Toss pasta + steak in sauce. Add pasta water as needed for creaminess.

Notes

• Substitutions: Use ribeye instead of sirloin, or add mushrooms for veggie boost.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated 3 days. Reheat with splash of milk.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to garlic butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 890kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 52gFat: 52gSodium: 980mg

Keyword Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe, comfort food, Date Night Meal, Garlic Butter Steak Pasta, One-Pan Dinner

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FAQ

What is the best cut of steak to use for garlic butter steak tips?

Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work best for garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni. These cuts offer excellent marbling and tenderness while standing up to the quick cooking method. Choose meat with good marbling for the juiciest results.

Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta to al dente, shock in cold water, and toss with a bit of oil up to a day ahead. The cheese sauce can be prepared and refrigerated separately. For best results,