There are few things more indulgent than juicy steak bathed in garlic butter — unless it’s paired with a creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is a flavor-packed meal that feels like it belongs in a steakhouse, but it comes together right in your own kitchen in under an hour.
Perfect for date nights, special family dinners, or anytime you want a meal that’s comforting yet elevated, this dish brings the best of both worlds: deeply savory steak bites and luxuriously creamy pasta.
???? Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:
- 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warm
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
???????? Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
Pat steak cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic!). Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, then return the steak tips to the skillet and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss cooked rigatoni with the cheese sauce until fully coated. Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
???? Nutrition (Per Serving – approx.)
- Calories: 710
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
???? Tips & Tricks
- Use ribeye or New York strip for an even more luxurious version.
- Add mushrooms or caramelized onions to the garlic butter for depth.
- Prefer spice? Add a dash of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
- Short on time? Use pre-cooked steak or leftover grilled meat.
- Make it lighter by using 2% milk and half the cheese.
???? From Me to You
I created this recipe after craving a dish that combined my two food loves: juicy steak and creamy pasta. It’s decadent, yes, but totally doable for a weeknight. The richness of the garlic butter steak and the silky cheese sauce makes this one unforgettable.
Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine — you’ll feel like you’re dining out without ever leaving home.
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