From the first sizzle of tender steak tips hitting a hot skillet to the way the velvety garlic butter sauce clings to every ridge of rigatoni, this meal is comfort food at its finest. Every component—from richly browned beef to gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan—comes together in a cozy symphony that wraps your taste buds in warmth. Whether you’re carving out time for a laid-back weeknight dinner or planning a leisurely weekend feast, these Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni deliver a flavor-packed experience without demanding hours in the kitchen. With just 10 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of cooking time, and only intermediate cooking skills required, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again.
I remember the first time I whipped up this dish for friends; the table fell silent as everyone dove in, forkful by forkful, savoring that rich, garlicky sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks conversation—and cravings—long after the plates are empty. At around 1120 calories per serving, it’s indulgent enough for a special occasion yet flexible enough to customize with extra veggies or a side salad if you’re watching your portions. So grab your skillet, dust off your favorite pasta pot, and let’s turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner that will have everyone asking, “What’s next on the menu?”
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC BUTTER STEAK TIPS WITH CHEESY RIGATONI
To build the ultimate plate of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, each ingredient brings its own character and purpose. From creating a flavor foundation to ensuring the sauce coats every noodle, here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Steak tips
Tender cuts of beef that sear beautifully, delivering rich, meaty flavor and satisfying juiciness in every bite.
- Olive oil
A high-smoke-point oil perfect for searing steak tips and tossing pasta, contributing a subtle fruitiness and preventing sticking.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
The fundamental seasoning duo that enhances the natural flavors of the beef and pasta, ensuring every component pops.
- Unsalted butter
Adds silky richness and carries the garlic flavor into a luxurious sauce, with extra butter folded in at the end for sheen.
- Garlic cloves
Minced to release pungent, aromatic notes that meld with butter, creating the backbone of the sauce’s depth.
- Fresh parsley
Bright, herbaceous contrast to the creamy sauce, offering a final pop of color and freshness at serving.
- Heavy cream
Provides a thick, velvety base for the cheese sauce, ensuring smooth consistency without graininess or separation.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into stretchy, gooey strings that make every forkful irresistibly cheesy and comforting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Brings a sharp, nutty complexity that balances the mellow cream and mozzarella, elevating the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes
An optional kick of heat that transforms the dish from cozy to confidently spiced for heat lovers.
- Rigatoni pasta
Sturdy, tube-shaped pasta designed to trap sauce inside, guaranteeing cheesy goodness in every mouthful.
- Olive oil for pasta
A light drizzle prevents rigatoni from clumping after draining, keeping it individually coated before saucing.
- Salt for boiling pasta
Essential for seasoning the pasta water so the rigatoni itself carries flavor, not just the sauce.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER STEAK TIPS WITH CHEESY RIGATONI
Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy bistro? Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly seared steak tips bathed in a garlicky, cheesy sauce that hugs every piece of rigatoni:
1. Season the steak tips generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot before adding the meat.
2. Arrange the steak tips in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook until browned on all sides and your desired doneness is reached (about 3–5 minutes for medium-rare). Transfer the steak tips to a plate and set aside, keeping them warm.
3. Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes now.
5. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions in salted water. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, then return the rigatoni to the pot. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and toss gently to prevent sticking.
6. Pour the garlic butter cheese sauce into the rigatoni pot. Toss well to coat every noodle, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if you prefer a thinner sauce.
7. Gently fold in the cooked steak tips, allowing them to heat through in the sauce for 1–2 minutes. Add the remaining butter and chopped fresh parsley, stirring until the butter melts and the dish glistens.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra parsley and a dusting of grated Parmesan for an inviting finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC BUTTER STEAK TIPS WITH CHEESY RIGATONI
Once your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is ready, the presentation and accompaniment can elevate the experience even further. Here are some thoughtful ideas to showcase your culinary creation and delight your guests:
- Serve on rustic dinner plates with a deep well, allowing the creamy sauce to pool around the rigatoni and creating a cozy vibe that’s both stylish and approachable.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan right before serving to introduce pops of green and a final layer of savory tang.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, offering a refreshing contrast that brightens each bite.
- Offer freshly baked garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and adding a crunchy textural element.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC BUTTER STEAK TIPS WITH CHEESY RIGATONI
When you’ve made a big batch of this dreamy comfort food, proper storage ensures you can enjoy it again without sacrificing taste or texture. Follow these guidelines to keep your leftovers tasting just as fabulous as the day you cooked them:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the pasta to minimize air exposure and maintain creaminess.
- Freeze for longer storage by spooning portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.
- Store steak tips and pasta separately if you anticipate different reheating needs. This helps retain the steak’s sear and prevents the rigatoni from over-absorbing sauce during storage.
CONCLUSION
This recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni brings together bold flavors and indulgent textures that make any dinner feel like a special occasion. We’ve covered everything from the simple list of ingredients—featuring tender steak tips, aromatic garlic, rich cream, and melty cheese—to the step-by-step cooking guide that ensures you achieve a perfect sear on the meat and a lusciously smooth sauce. Along the way, you discovered tips for garnishing, pairing, storing leftovers, and even freezing portions for busy nights when comfort food calls. With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking time, this intermediate-level recipe is approachable yet impressive, rated at around 1120 kcal per serving and ideally suited for dinner whether you’re dining solo or serving a crowd.
Feel free to print and save this article for future meal planning, and don’t forget there’s an FAQ section below to answer common questions about ingredient swaps, doneness levels, and sauce adjustments. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment with your favorite tweaks, ask any questions if you need help, or share your feedback so we can keep improving this cheesy, garlicky delight together. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Description
Tender steak tips seared in garlicky butter meet rigatoni bathed in a velvety mozzarella-Parmesan sauce. Every bite delivers rich, cozy comfort perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the steak tips generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the steak tips to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred level of doneness, around 3-5 minutes for medium-rare. Remove steak tips from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
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Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions, using salted water. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and return pasta to the pot.
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Add the garlic butter cheese sauce to the pot with the rigatoni. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually if a thinner sauce is desired.
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Stir in the cooked steak tips, allowing them to heat through in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes. Add remaining butter and fresh parsley. Stir until the butter is completely melted and everything is well-coated.
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Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Note
- Substitute steak tips with chicken or shrimp for a different variation.
- For extra kick, add more crushed red pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Can be made ahead; simply store the steak and pasta separately and combine before serving.
- Use different types of cheese for a different flavor profile, such as cheddar or gouda.
