Description
Get ready to indulge in a delectable fusion of Cajun-inspired flavors and creamy Italian comfort – Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce! This irresistible dish combines tender steak tips coated in a bold Cajun seasoning, simmered in a rich and velvety Parmesan cheese sauce, and tossed with perfectly al dente rigatoni pasta.
Ingredients
- Steak Tips: Sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Rigatoni Pasta: The ridged shape of rigatoni helps the creamy Parmesan sauce cling to every nook and cranny.
- Heavy Cream: This rich dairy product creates the luscious, velvety texture of the Parmesan sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an authentic Italian flavor and melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices like paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper gives the steak tips their signature Cajun kick.
- Butter and Olive Oil: These fats are used to sear the steak tips and saute the garlic for the sauce.
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-12 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water, and set it aside.
4. Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels to ensure they get a nice, crisp sear.
5. Season the steak tips generously with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
7. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned steak tips in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a nice brown crust forms.
8. Remove the seared steak tips from the skillet and set them aside, reserving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
9. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet with the reserved drippings.
10. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
11. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
12. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
13. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed.
14. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
15. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
16. Gently fold in the seared Cajun steak tips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
17. 17. Carefully add the seared steak tips to the skillet with the rigatoni and Parmesan sauce.
18. 18. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring the steak tips are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Notes
Sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of Cajun seasoning over the top of the pasta for a visually appealing and flavorful presentation. You can also garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, to balance out the richness of the pasta. For a beverage, consider a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the Cajun-inspired flavors.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 80