Have you ever craved a meal that blends indulgent, creamy pasta with smoky, seasoned steak? This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is a plate full of pure comfort and elegance. Imagine perfectly cooked rigatoni coated in a velvety cream sauce, rich with garlic and parmesan, paired with tender, juicy steak tips seared to perfection with a bold Cajun kick.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy bistro, yet it’s entirely achievable in your own kitchen. With its golden sauce and sizzling steak aroma, it’s as much a feast for the senses as it is for the appetite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this dish, the right tools will make all the difference:

Large pot: Essential for cooking rigatoni evenly without sticking.
Deep skillet or sauté pan: Perfect for making the garlic butter parmesan sauce, allowing enough space for tossing pasta.
Cast iron skillet: Ideal for achieving that charred crust on Cajun-seasoned steak tips.
Sharp chef’s knife: Ensures clean cuts of steak for even cooking.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Gentle on pans and perfect for stirring without scratching.

Having these ready ensures a smooth cooking process and professional results at home.

Ingredients for the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Rigatoni pasta – Its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, delivering flavor in every bite.
Heavy cream – Forms the luxurious base of the sauce, giving it richness.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Garlic cloves – Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Unsalted butter – Creates a silky foundation for the sauce.
Cajun seasoning – Brings bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to the steak tips.
Beef sirloin or tenderloin tips – The star protein, juicy and tender when seared.
Olive oil – Helps sear the steak tips, locking in moisture.
Fresh parsley – Provides a pop of color and freshness.
Salt & pepper – Essential for enhancing all flavors.

How To Make the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni

Cook rigatoni in generously salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sear the Cajun Steak Tips

Pat steak tips dry, season liberally with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat, sear steak tips on each side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and let rest.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In a deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently, then stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, loosen with reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Serve with Steak Tips

Plate the creamy rigatoni, top with Cajun steak tips, and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Serving and Storing Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Serve this dish immediately while the pasta is hot and the steak tips are still juicy. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few parsley leaves make it restaurant-worthy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well for holding the sauce.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be as rich.

How do I know when steak tips are cooked?

Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

Can this dish be made ahead?

You can cook the pasta and steak tips in advance, but prepare the sauce fresh for the best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the seasoning.

Want More Steak & Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Cajun steak and creamy rigatoni combo has you hooked, you might also enjoy the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for a spicy twist. For another comforting beef and pasta pairing, check out the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce.

If Cajun flavors are your thing, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta offers the same creamy, spicy satisfaction with a poultry option. Or try Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells for a smaller pasta shape that still packs flavor.

For more daily recipes and inspiration, visit my Pinterest LadyPlate boards.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

Save this recipe to your favorite dinner boards for the next time you’re craving a luxurious pasta night. Click the Pin button to keep it handy.

When you make it, I’d love to hear what you thought. Did you add extra Cajun spice? Swap the pasta shape? Share your experience in the comments — your kitchen stories always inspire me!

Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is a luxurious yet comforting dinner. Tender rigatoni is coated in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce, then topped with juicy Cajun-seasoned steak tips for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal perfect for a special night in.