Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

why make this recipe

Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni pairs bold, smoky spice with a rich, silky sauce — an easy weeknight meal that feels indulgent. It’s fast to pull together, pleasing to a crowd, and balances protein, pasta, and creamy comfort in one pan (with minimal cleanup).

introduction

This dish starts with tender steak tips seasoned with Cajun spices, seared to a flavorful crust, then folded into a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce that clings to rigatoni. The contrast between the peppery steak and the cheesy, buttery sauce makes every bite exciting. It’s a versatile recipe you can scale up for guests or simplify for a busy dinner.

how to make Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Follow the simple steps below: sear the seasoned steak tips, build the cream sauce in the same skillet to capture browned bits, combine with al dente rigatoni, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley. The method emphasizes high heat for the steak and low simmer for the sauce so the Parmesan melts smoothly without separating.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb Cajun-seasoned steak tips
• 8 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions :

1. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Cajun-seasoned steak tips and cook until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
3. Remove steak from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
5. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add the steak tips back into the skillet, mixing everything together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
   
   

how to serve Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and glossy. Plate generous portions, garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables and a crusty bread to sop up sauce. For wine, a medium-bodied red or an oaked Chardonnay works nicely.

how to store Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce, stirring until warmed through. The sauce can thicken in the fridge; allow extra liquid when reheating if needed. Do not freeze cream-based pasta if you want to maintain the best texture, though the steak alone can be frozen.

tips to make Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Pat steak tips dry before cooking to get a better sear.
• Use high-quality grated Parmesan (not packetized powder) for creamier melt and richer flavor.
• Don’t boil the cream; keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
• Reserve a little pasta cooking water — a tablespoon or two can loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Slice a taste of one steak tip at the end to ensure desired doneness before removing the rest.

variation (if any)

• Swap rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.
• Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet when searing the steak for extra texture and sweetness.
• Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
• For extra heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the cream before adding Parmesan.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes — sirloin, flank, or skirt steak work well if cut into bite-sized pieces; adjust cooking time for thickness.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Replace steak tips with spicy, pan-seared mushrooms or Cajun-seasoned tofu for a meatless alternative.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
A: Thicken with more Parmesan and simmer a bit longer; thin with reserved pasta water or a splash of milk/cream.

Conclusion

For a full recipe walkthrough and variations inspired by this dish, see Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce.