Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a rich, indulgent dish that combines tender, juicy steak bites with a creamy, cheesy pasta. The bold flavors of garlic butter-infused steak pair perfectly with the smooth, gooey rigatoni, making this an irresistible meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or a family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, Flavorful Steak – Seared to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce.
- Creamy, Cheesy Pasta – Rigatoni coated in a velvety cheese sauce.
- One-Pan Convenience – Steak cooks in the same pan for easy cleanup.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – A satisfying, hearty meal that’s perfect for any night.
- Customizable – Adjust the cheese blend or add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:
- Sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- Rigatoni pasta
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Milk (for thinning the sauce, if needed)
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Rigatoni – Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:
- Season the Steak – Pat steak tips dry and season with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Sear the Steak – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from the pan.
- Make the Garlic Butter – In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return steak tips to the pan, toss to coat in garlic butter, and remove from heat.
Make the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce – In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Season the Sauce – Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Combine with Pasta – Toss cooked rigatoni in the cheese sauce, adding a splash of milk if needed for a thinner consistency.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish – Serve the cheesy rigatoni on a plate, topped with garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Mushroom Lovers – Sauté mushrooms with garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
- Different Cheese – Swap in gouda, gruyère, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate when thawed.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon work best for tender, juicy bites.
How do I prevent my cheese sauce from getting grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese and melt it over low heat to avoid clumping.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work well with the cheese sauce.
How can I make the steak extra tender?
Let it rest before cutting, and avoid overcooking for the best texture.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, just heat it in the garlic butter for a minute before serving.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement this meal perfectly.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes! A splash of white wine adds depth to the cheese sauce.
What’s the best way to get a golden crust on the steak?
Pat the steak dry before cooking and use a hot pan for a perfect sear.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pasta and steak separately, then reheat just before serving.
How do I thicken the cheese sauce?
Add more cheese or a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, garlicky steak with creamy, cheesy pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a hearty meal, this dish delivers bold flavors and restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Try it today and enjoy every indulgent bite!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a rich and indulgent meal featuring juicy, tender steak tips coated in a buttery garlic sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni. It’s the ultimate comfort food with restaurant-quality flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
For the Steak Tips:
- 1½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:
- In a bowl, toss steak pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak tips in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter and garlic to the pan, and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return the steak to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and remove from heat.
3. Make the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained rigatoni and toss to coat.
4. Serve & Garnish:
- Divide cheesy rigatoni onto plates and top with garlic butter steak tips.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Steak Choices: Ribeye is the juiciest option, but sirloin or filet mignon work great too.
- Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.