If you have ever dreamed of a meal that perfectly blends juicy, flavorful steak with rich, creamy pasta, then this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is the one for you. It’s a decadent, yet easy-to-make dish that combines tender sirloin steak tips seared to perfection with a luscious, cheesy rigatoni sauce all infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic butter. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it an ideal comfort food to impress your friends or treat yourself to something truly special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential in creating the rich flavor and inviting textures that make this dish stand out. Each item plays a crucial role, from seasoning the steak to melting into that creamy cheese sauce that coats every piece of rigatoni and steak tip perfectly.
- 1 lb sirloin steak tips: Tender and juicy, these bite-sized pieces are the star protein of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak and imparting a subtle fruity flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that aromatic punch that wakes up every other ingredient.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough heat and depth to balance the dish.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky edge that makes the steak tips utterly irresistible.
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta: Its tube shape holds the creamy cheese sauce in every bite, perfect for this dish.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce that’s not too heavy.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Boosts the silkiness and richness of the sauce.
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a tangy, bold flavor that defines the cheesy sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the cheese blend.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the rigatoni until it’s perfectly al dente is key because you want that tender-but-firm texture to hold up against the creamy sauce and hearty steak. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the steak and sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Tips
Sprinkle the steak tips evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning combo gives the beef a flavorful crust and depth that makes every bite captivating. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak tips for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful brown sear and reach your preferred doneness. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and let it cook gently for about a minute until fragrant—that garlicky aroma is exactly what makes this dish unforgettable. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking it for another minute to remove any raw flour taste. This base will thicken the cheese sauce wonderfully.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
Slowly drizzle in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken up for about 3 to 4 minutes until silky smooth. Then stir in the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and creamy. The sauce should be thick enough to cling beautifully to the pasta and steak tips.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Fold the cooked rigatoni into the cheese sauce so every tube is luxuriously coated. Finally, return the steak tips to the skillet and gently incorporate them into the cheesy pasta. A sprinkle of chopped parsley finishes this masterpiece, adding a bright, fresh note to the rich dish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is all you need to lift this dish visually and taste-wise. For an extra touch, you can add a little cracked black pepper or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to give a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
Since the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni are quite rich, pairing them with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette can bring balance and freshness. Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans with a squeeze of lemon also complement this hearty meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe in rustic deep bowls to keep the warmth and emphasize its comfort-food appeal. Garnishing with edible flowers or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate it for special occasions. For a casual gathering, present it family-style with fresh bread on the side to soak up every bit of that cheesy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak tips and cheesy rigatoni can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors marry even more after resting, making for fantastic leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to slightly undercook the rigatoni next time if you plan on freezing, to avoid it becoming too soft when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring each time to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef for the steak tips?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak tips are perfect because of their tenderness and flavor, other tender cuts like ribeye or even flank steak can work well if cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use dairy-free milk alternatives like oat or almond milk, and swap the cheeses with vegan cheese options. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to add the cheese slowly once the sauce has thickened and is on low heat, stirring constantly to help it melt smoothly. Using sharp cheddar and Parmesan helps maintain creaminess when melted properly.
Can I prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time?
You can make the cheese sauce a few hours before serving and gently reheat it when ready. Just be sure to keep stirring during reheating to avoid separation and add a bit more cream or milk if it thickens too much.
What’s the secret to juicy steak tips in this recipe?
High heat searing and not overcrowding the pan ensures a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Also, letting the steak rest briefly after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for tender bites.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe enough. It’s that perfect blend of indulgent, flavorful, and comforting that makes you want to savor every bite and then plan your next serving as soon as you finish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, give this recipe a try — it just might become your new go-to for cozy, crowd-pleasing meals.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful American main course featuring tender sirloin steak pieces seared in olive oil and butter, combined with a rich garlic-infused cheese sauce coating perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This skillet dish delivers a delightful balance of savory steak, creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1 lb sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese Sauce and Pasta
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Steak Tips: While the pasta cooks, season steak tips with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to evenly coat the meat.
- Sear Steak Tips: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips and sear each side for 2–3 minutes until nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, infusing the butter with garlic flavor.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Mix in Steak Tips: Return the seared steak tips to the skillet, gently folding them into the cheesy rigatoni so the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh touch and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate steak tips in Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella or Gruyère for a more complex cheese sauce.
