why make this recipe
This dish gives you bold Cajun flavor with a creamy cheese sauce. It cooks fast and fills the house with good smells. If you like easy weeknight meals, this works well. Try a similar spicy pasta idea here: Cajun Shrimp Pasta, your new weeknight hero.
introduction
This recipe mixes tender steak tips with cheesy rigatoni. The sauce is simple and rich. You can make it with few ingredients and little fuss. It makes a warm, filling meal for family or friends. For other cozy main dishes, see this chicken casserole recipe.
how to make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Follow the steps below in order. Cook pasta first so it is ready when the sauce is done. Brown the steak tips well for more flavor. Stir the pasta into the sauce so each piece gets coated.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb Cajun-seasoned steak tips
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add Cajun-seasoned steak tips and cook until browned and cooked through. In a separate pot, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, mixing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta topped with the Cajun steak tips and garnish with chopped parsley.
how to serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Serve hot on plates or in a deep bowl. Add a little extra Parmesan or chopped parsley on top. Offer a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A glass of cold water or iced tea goes well with the spice.
how to store Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Cool leftovers quickly. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce looks too thick.
tips to make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Use room temperature cream for a smoother sauce.
- Do not boil the sauce. Heat it slowly so the cheese melts evenly.
- Cut steak tips into even pieces so they cook the same.
- Taste for salt at the end because Parmesan can be salty.
- For more quick meal ideas, you can try this Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe again for inspiration.
variation (if any)
- Swap rigatoni for penne, ziti, or fusilli.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce (it will be thinner).
- Add sliced bell peppers or onions to the steak when cooking for more texture.
- Make it mild by using less Cajun seasoning or serve with lemon wedges.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other steak cuts?
A: Yes. Use sirloin or ribeye cut into small pieces. Cook until done but do not overcook.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It is not ideal. Cream sauces can change texture after freezing. You can freeze just the cooked steak tips, then make a fresh sauce later.
Q: How do I make this less spicy?
A: Use less Cajun seasoning on the steak or rinse a bit of the seasoning off before cooking. Add extra cream or cheese to tame the heat.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach work well. Add them when you cook the steak or stir them into the sauce.
Conclusion
For a full reference and another version of this dish, see the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce – Yeyfood: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce – Yeyfood.
Print
Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A bold and creamy dish featuring tender steak tips and cheesy rigatoni, perfect for easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Cajun-seasoned steak tips
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add Cajun-seasoned steak tips and cook until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate pot, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, mixing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta topped with Cajun steak tips and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use room temperature cream for a smoother sauce. Do not boil the sauce. Cut steak tips into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy pasta, easy weeknight meals, comfort food, rigatoni