Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve just found your new favorite recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni! This meal is not only delicious but also incredibly comforting, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. It’s also great for family gatherings or special occasions, impressing everyone at the dinner table with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines tender steak tips with cheesy rigatoni in a way that’s both simple and indulgent. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in about 30 minutes.
• Family Favorite: The creamy sauce and flavorful steak are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make Ahead: Pre-cook the rigatoni and store the sauce separately to make mealtime even easier.
• Flavorful Experience: Sautéing the steak in garlic butter infuses every bite with savory goodness.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies for an extra nutrition boost!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe! The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and pack a lot of flavor into this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Steak and Sauce

• 2 strip steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta

• 16 oz rigatoni pasta

Seasonings

• Red pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand!

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast or shrimp instead of steak for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value of your meal.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique twist.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes if you love a little heat in your dishes.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Begin by cooking your rigatoni in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain it well and set aside. Cooking it just right ensures that it will hold up beautifully when combined with the rich sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your strip steaks generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until they reach your desired level of doneness. Letting them rest afterward is key; it allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In that same skillet (to capture all those lovely flavors), melt down some butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then add chicken broth and heavy cream, letting it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a luscious base that brings everything together.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Tomatoes

Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth—this is where the magic happens! The cheese will melt into that creamy sauce beautifully. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes to add a pop of flavor that complements the richness perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring all those components together! Slice your rested steak into bite-sized pieces and combine it with the rigatoni and creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together so each piece of pasta is coated evenly in that scrumptious garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Serve Up!

Finally, serve this delightful dish hot! Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy every bite of your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Cooking this delightful dish can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Choose high-quality steak: Opting for well-marbled strip steaks ensures maximum flavor and tenderness in your dish. Quality meat makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

• Don’t skip resting the steak: Allowing the seared steaks to rest before slicing helps retain their juices, resulting in a more succulent bite. This simple step enhances overall moistness and flavor.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese may seem convenient, but freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture in your sauce that’s hard to beat. It also adds a richer taste.

• Customize with veggies: Feel free to toss in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms along with the rigatoni. Not only do they add nutrition, but they also bring vibrant colors and flavors to the dish.

• Adjust spice levels: If you love a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes to suit your taste. On the other hand, if you prefer milder flavors, feel free to reduce or omit them entirely.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Presenting this dish beautifully can make it even more enjoyable for your family and friends. Here are some fun ways to serve it up!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
• Extra Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of additional grated Parmesan right before serving not only looks appealing but also intensifies the cheesy goodness.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their plates, adding a zesty contrast that elevates the meal.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: A classic pairing, warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce. Plus, who can resist that buttery goodness?

• Mixed green salad: A refreshing salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the rigatoni and steak. It adds freshness and crunch to your meal.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted until tender create a colorful side that complements the main dish beautifully.

• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also provides fiber and nutrients. Its mild flavor pairs wonderfully with both the steak and cheesy pasta.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create this comforting masterpiece! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is perfect for meal prep. Not only does it pack well for lunches or dinners throughout the week, but the flavors also deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, heat in the microwave until warmed through, stirring halfway.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I use another type of pasta for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding onto that creamy sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.

How can I customize my Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They not only enhance nutrition but also add vibrant flavors!

What’s the best way to cook steak tips for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

Searing them in a hot skillet with olive oil helps develop a beautiful crust while keeping them juicy inside. Just remember to let them rest before slicing!

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a vegan-friendly option.

How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

This recipe is quite quick! With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings comfort and joy to your kitchen! The combination of tender steak tips and creamy rigatoni is simply irresistible. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own by adding personal touches. Enjoy every bite and share it with those you love – happy cooking!