Description
Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is a rich, creamy pasta dinner infused with bold Cajun spice and tender steak bites. This quick 45-minute recipe blends Southern flavor with Italian comfort for an irresistible weeknight or date-night meal. Includes rigatoni, parmesan cream sauce, and seared steak tips. Ideal for pasta lovers seeking something with a twist.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and keep warm.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Slowly add grated parmesan, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Plate the pasta and top or serve with Cajun steak tips. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun mix.
Always use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Let steak rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Southern + Italian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 735
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg