Indulge in the ultimate comfort dish with this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan. A luscious, velvety cheese sauce coats every bite of al dente rigatoni, with bold Cajun spice waking up your tastebuds. Paired with juicy, seared steak bites and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, this meal brings the rich flavors of a steakhouse right to your kitchen table.

Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and comes together faster than you’d expect. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky heat, balanced beautifully by the creamy cheese sauce and savory steak. It’s weeknight-worthy but decadent enough for special occasions.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use for Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan?

You want a tender, well-marbled cut that holds up to high heat and soaks up flavor. Ribeye or sirloin tips are ideal for this dish. They sear quickly, stay juicy, and deliver rich, beefy taste in every bite. Avoid tougher cuts like flank or chuck unless you’re marinating ahead of time.

Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Rigatoni Pasta
This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta captures all that creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly. It holds its shape and texture even under a heavy, rich topping.

Ribeye or Sirloin Steak
The centerpiece of this dish. Quick-seared and well-seasoned, the steak adds boldness and substance to each forkful.

Cajun Seasoning
The smoky, spicy backbone of the recipe. It enhances the meat and sauce with a flavor kick that’s irresistible.

Heavy Cream
The base of the cheese sauce. It adds richness and silkiness that coats the pasta luxuriously.

Parmesan Cheese
Nutty, salty, and sharp—it’s stirred into the sauce and grated on top for an unbeatable cheesy punch.

Butter & Garlic
These aromatics start the sauce with deep, savory flavor that complements the Cajun spice.

Salt & Cracked Black Pepper
To balance and finish the flavor layers. A simple but critical touch.

How To Make the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Pat your steak dry and season it generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet with a touch of oil, sear steak bites on all sides until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and let them rest.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Add grated Parmesan to the cream mixture, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained rigatoni into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir to coat every noodle generously.

Step 6: Add the Steak and Finish

Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, gently mixing them into the pasta. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a pinch of cracked pepper.

Serving and Storing Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

Serve this dish hot from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Cajun seasoning if you like extra kick. It’s a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne or fusilli work great too, but rigatoni holds up best with this thick cheese sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a medium Cajun heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the seasoning or use a mild Cajun blend.

Can I prep it in advance?

You can cook the pasta and steak ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Just make the sauce fresh and reheat everything together.

What kind of cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for flavor and melting. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, which may not melt smoothly.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the pasta with a gluten-free rigatoni option and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan, here are a few more comforting, cheesy dinners to try next:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add bell peppers or caramelized onions? Maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan is the kind of meal that brings comfort and wow factor to your dinner table. Creamy Parmesan sauce coats tender rigatoni, while Cajun-spiced steak bites add a punch of flavor and protein. It’s a skillet full of warmth, perfect for satisfying any pasta lover.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season steak bites with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak pieces until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Toss in the cooked rigatoni and stir to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
Return the steak to the skillet and combine gently.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner