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Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni

This one-pan pasta recipe combines spicy Cajun steak tips with a silky Parmesan cream sauce and rigatoni, making it a quick and comforting family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 lb Cajun-seasoned steak tips Use pre-seasoned or season with 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning if needed.
  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta Can be substituted with penne or casarecce, and use gluten-free if desired.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Preferably freshly grated for best creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Cajun-seasoned steak tips and cook until browned and cooked to your liking, about 4 to 5 minutes total. For food safety, aim for at least 145 F for whole cuts of beef, then rest briefly. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese off the heat or on very low heat until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Toss the cooked rigatoni in the sauce until well coated, adding a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
  6. Add the steak tips back into the skillet and mix gently so the pieces warm through and pick up the sauce.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Best served with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Can store leftovers for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.