Indulgent and satisfying, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe brings together juicy, seared steak bites smothered in rich garlic butter, paired with tender rigatoni coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting, steakhouse-style dinner that comes together in under an hour—perfect for special occasions or when you just need something extra.
Ingredients
For the Steak Tips:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 10 oz (300g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or a pinch of smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
- Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Mix until smooth.
- Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen.
- Cook the steak tips:
- Pat steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak tips in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your liking.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and toss steak tips until coated and fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Optional: Add a splash of lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni, top with garlic butter steak tips, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Tips
- Use a hot pan for a proper sear on the steak—avoid overcrowding to keep the meat from steaming.
- Warm milk helps your cheese sauce come together smoothly and quickly.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture—pre-shredded cheese may be grainy.
- Let steak rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat options: Try sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, Gruyère, or fontina for a different cheesy profile.
- Add veggies: Stir sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or caramelized onions into the pasta.
- Pasta alternatives: Use penne, cavatappi, or shells—anything that holds sauce well.
- Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener in the cheese sauce.
FAQs
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and assemble in a baking dish. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I use leftover steak?
Absolutely. Sear the steak quickly in garlic butter just to warm it up and add flavor without overcooking.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the cheesy pasta portion, but steak tips are best cooked fresh for tenderness.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm gently on the stove or in the oven. Add a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate the pasta sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to scoop up the cheesy sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
- A glass of bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pairs beautifully with the steak.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with truffle oil or sprinkle crispy shallots on top.
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