Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned Cajun steak tips. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they develop a rich, golden crust. Once browned, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for about 10-12 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Set both the drained pasta and reserved water aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet used for the steak, lower the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble softly while stirring occasionally. This will create the base of your creamy sauce for the Cajun Steak Tips.
- Once the cream is simmering, slowly incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired to suit your palate.
- Carefully add the drained rigatoni into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve a silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. Ensure the rigatoni is well coated for maximum flavor in your Cajun Steak Tips dish.
- Finally, fold in the seared Cajun steak tips, allowing them to nestle within the creamy rigatoni. Stir gently to combine everything together and let it heat through for an additional minute. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper for an added touch of flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
Ensure steak tips are cut into uniform cubes for consistent cooking and delicious caramelization. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating leftovers to maintain creamy texture. Cook rigatoni fresh for optimal absorption of sauce. Enhance with extra veggies for nutrition.