Looking for the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t take all day to make but still feels like a luxurious treat? Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni is exactly that kind of dish. It blends seared steak tips with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce and pairs it with tender, toothsome rigatoni. Each bite delivers rich umami flavors with a silky, indulgent texture that will have everyone at the table going back for seconds.

This pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special, or a cozy weekend meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor thanks to the browned butter, fresh garlic, heavy cream, and well-seasoned steak cubes that make it an unforgettable one-pan meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the magic of this steak rigatoni, having the right tools can make your process smoother and more enjoyable:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Bottom Pan: Essential for achieving that deep sear on the steak. You want those golden brown edges that lock in flavor.
Pasta Pot with Strainer Insert: Cooking pasta to al dente is key. A built-in strainer makes draining easy and mess-free.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precision in cutting your steak cubes and mincing garlic ensures even cooking and better texture.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps scrape those tasty browned bits from the pan into the sauce without damaging your cookware.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Consistency in flavor comes down to balance. These ensure your cream, butter, and seasoning proportions stay just right.

With these tools in hand, you’re already halfway to a restaurant-quality pasta dish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Steak Tips or Sirloin Cubes: The main protein star, seared to perfection for rich, meaty bites.
Rigatoni Pasta: Its ridges and tubular shape hold onto all that creamy sauce.
Garlic (Freshly Minced): The backbone of flavor, bringing warmth and depth.
Unsalted Butter: Used for browning and base of the sauce; butter makes everything better.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture in the sauce.
Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty depth and helps balance the cream.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Adds salty, nutty umami richness.
Parsley (Chopped): For a fresh, vibrant finish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance all flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear in hot butter until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the butter and browned bits. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated parmesan and stir until smooth.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the seared steak and cooked rigatoni into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. If needed, loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

This dish is best served hot straight from the skillet, where the sauce is at its silkiest and the steak still holds its tender bite. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread to round out your meal.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth in a pan to rehydrate the sauce while gently warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

Avoid overcooking. Sear until just browned, then remove from heat to let it rest. It finishes cooking in the sauce later.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely. Flank steak or ribeye can be used, just slice thinly and adjust cooking time.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of cream cheese, but the sauce will be less rich.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh. Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, affecting texture.

What pasta shape works as a substitute for rigatoni?

Penne, ziti, or even fusilli will work great. Just be sure it can hold onto the sauce well.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. But you can add red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step if you like a kick.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni, you might want to explore a few more hearty and flavorful options.

Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a creamy, cheesy twist on traditional pasta night.

For spice lovers, the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta offers a bold kick with a similar creamy base.

Craving more steak combos? Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is another stellar option.

And if you’re into loaded comfort food, the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is one to bookmark.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for future cravings. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, let me know how it turned out. Did you try a different cut of steak? Did you sneak in mushrooms or onions? I’d love to hear your twist on it.

For more daily dinner inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest at LadyPlate.