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Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Cajun steak tips - featured image
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Juicy Cajun-spiced steak tips are seared to perfection and served over creamy, cheesy rigatoni in a parmesan sauce. This bold, comforting beef dinner comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces (ribeye or strip steak also works)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta (penne or ziti can substitute)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer sauce)
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat steak tips dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss steak tips in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook another 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through (about 135°F for medium-rare).
  5. Add 1 tbsp butter to the skillet in the last minute and toss to coat. Remove steak tips to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  6. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  7. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell is gone.
  8. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes.
  9. Reduce heat to low. Add parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
  10. Stir in smoked paprika and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Add drained rigatoni to the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
  12. Top cheesy rigatoni with Cajun steak tips and any juices from the plate.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use well-marbled steak and shred cheese fresh for a smoother sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak tips. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, beef dinner, easy pasta, steak pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, skillet steak, parmesan sauce, spicy pasta

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cajun-steak-tips-with-cheesy-rigatoni-best-easy-beef-dinner-recipe/