Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and velvety. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss in the drained rigatoni until fully coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for extra creaminess.
4. Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Season generously with paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preference. Lower the heat slightly, add 3 tbsp butter and the remaining garlic, and toss the steak tips in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Spoon the melted butter over the steak as it cooks for maximum flavor.
6. To serve, spoon the cheesy rigatoni onto one side of the plate and place the garlic butter steak tips on the other. Drizzle extra garlic butter over the steak, garnish with fresh parsley, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 880 per serving