Name: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; Red pepper flakes; Oregano; Thyme; Sun-dried tomatoes; 16 oz rigatoni pasta

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a serious comfort-food upgrade, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is pure bliss in a bowl. Imagine juicy, perfectly seared steak tips nestled among pillowy rigatoni, all drenched in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and flecks of herbs. The flavors meld together in every bite, making this dish just as perfect for a weeknight treat as it is for impressing friends at your next dinner party. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish brings together simple ingredients, but each plays a vital role in delivering rich flavor, silky texture, and eye-catching color. From succulent steak to the savory sauce and that irresistible cheesy finish, every component is a true star.

Strip Steaks: Choose well-marbled steaks for the juiciest, most flavorful steak tips.
Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful, caramelized crust on your steak and adds depth to the sauce.
Butter: Essential for that glorious, silky garlic butter finish.
Minced Garlic: Delivers bold, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite.
Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base for the sauce and helps balance richness.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce extra creamy and luscious.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Always grate it yourself for the smoothest, most decadent sauce!
Rigatoni Pasta: Ribbed and sturdy, it holds the cheesy sauce and steak perfectly.
Red Pepper Flakes: For just a whisper of gentle heat.
Oregano: Infuses herby Mediterranean notes that complement both steak and cheese.
Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme ties all the savory flavors together.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a pop of color and tangy-sweet intensity.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the rigatoni and cook until it’s perfectly al dente—tender with a teensy bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water for later to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Pat the strip steaks dry and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme and oregano. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the steaks for four to five minutes per side for that irresistible golden crust. Remove them from the pan and let them rest so the juices stay right where you want them—inside the steak!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat slightly, then melt the butter in the same skillet (don’t wipe it out; those browned bits are flavor gold!). Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up all those tasty bits. Simmer for three to four minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Tomatoes

Now comes the magic: whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is glossy, smooth, and ultra cheesy. Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor and gorgeous color. Give the sauce a taste and add more pepper flakes if you want extra zing.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the rested steaks into hearty bite-size tips. Add the steak and rigatoni to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece in that lavish, garlicky, cheesy goodness. Let it all warm through on low heat for a minute or two—if the sauce seems thick, loosen it up with your reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a shower of extra Parmesan if you feel fancy. This is comfort food, but it’s anything but ordinary!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Finish your plates with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes for bold color and flavor. For a little zing, a few curls of lemon zest can make the dish pop and highlight the richness of the cheese and steak.

Side Dishes

Balance out the decadent Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Warm, crusty bread is an absolute must for sopping up every last speck of that velvety sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the cheesy rigatoni in shallow bowls, then artfully arrange the steak tips right on top for a restaurant-worthy look. Or, serve everything family-style on a big platter, letting everyone dig in and help themselves. For parties, serve them in individual ramekins—they’ll look adorable and taste incredible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni will stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days. Just know the sauce will thicken a bit as it sits (this is totally normal!).

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh since the creamy sauce can separate a bit once frozen and thawed. However, if you do want to freeze it, portion it out and wrap tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its silky self. You can also reheat gently in the microwave—just cover the dish and stir halfway through to keep everything evenly heated and the steak from overcooking.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for steak tips?

Strip steak is fantastic, but sirloin or ribeye also work beautifully. Look for cuts with some marbling—the fat ensures the steak cooks up juicy and full of savory flavor in every bite.

Can I substitute another pasta for rigatoni?

Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even shells are great alternatives. Just choose a shape that holds onto the rich, cheesy sauce to get the full Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni experience.

Is there a good way to make this dish lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. Skipping the extra butter or using olive oil in its place can also help reduce the richness a bit without sacrificing taste.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the garlic Parmesan sauce a day in advance—just store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, warm it gently on the stove, whisking to restore its creamy consistency before tossing in the steak and pasta.

What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a luscious Italian Sangiovese balances the richness beautifully. If you prefer white, a crisp Chardonnay with good acidity will lift the creamy sauce and complement the steak.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try making Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni at home. It’s the kind of dish that makes any night feel special—and proves that comfort food can be downright extraordinary. Treat yourself, gather your favorite people, and enjoy every silky, cheesy, savory bite!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

Juicy strip steaks cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce, served with creamy cheesy rigatoni pasta. This dish is a delightful combination of flavors that will have your taste buds begging for more.

Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season the steaks, and cook to desired doneness. Let rest before slicing.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken broth and heavy cream, simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
Combine and Toss: Mix sliced steak and rigatoni with the sauce, toss to coat evenly, and warm through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian