Blackened Steak Tips with Rigatoni in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips (left whole or in thick strips, not cubed)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun or blackened seasoning blend
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk. Reduce heat to low and whisk in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss in rigatoni until well coated, adding reserved pasta water for extra creaminess if needed.
3. Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Rub all sides generously with Cajun or blackened seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add steak tips in a single layer and sear without moving for 3–4 minutes per side, until a dark crust forms and the inside reaches your preferred doneness (medium-rare to medium works best).
5. Reduce heat slightly, add butter and garlic to the pan, and baste the steak tips with the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Tilt the skillet and spoon the hot butter over the steaks for deep flavor and shine.
6. Plate by arranging the creamy garlic rigatoni on one side and the thick, blackened steak tips on the other. Spoon over extra garlic butter and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Servings:4
Calories:~890 per serving