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Cajun Steak Tips

Savor Bold Cajun Steak Tips in Creamy Rigatoni Bliss

Enjoy Cajun Steak Tips with creamy rigatoni for a comforting, flavorful dinner experience.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Cajun Steak Tips
  • 1 pound Steak Tips (Sirloin or Ribeye) This rich, meaty cut absorbs Cajun spices beautifully for bold flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Infuses both the steak and sauce with a spicy, smoky heat; adjust for your spice preference.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced) Elevates the savory nature of the dish with aromatic goodness.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds a rich, luscious flavor when searing the steak.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Helps achieve a perfect, crispy sear without burning.
Creamy Rigatoni Sauce
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta Its ridged surface holds onto the creamy sauce, creating delightful bites.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Forms the rich base of the Parmesan sauce, lending a velvety texture.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated) Provides essential sharpness and depth to the sauce.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Balances the dish and enhances the rich flavors.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella or Fontina Cheese (Optional) Mix in for added creaminess and melty goodness before serving.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • pot
  • Cooking Spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

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.

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