Description
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is a decadent and flavorful dish combining tender seared steak with a rich, creamy pasta tossed in a garlic butter cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it features Cajun-seasoned sirloin or ribeye steak, simmered in a luscious blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni
Steak
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Season Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, sear the steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Remove the steak to a plate and let it rest to retain juices.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 1 minute. Then add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheeses: Whisk in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to fully coat the pasta with the cheesy garlic sauce.
- Slice and Combine Steak: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Return the steak slices to the skillet along with optional red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix all flavors.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while hot, savoring the creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for steak to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes add extra heat but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Letting steak rest after searing ensures juicy slices.
- Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the rich sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy cajun steak, garlic butter steak, creamy rigatoni recipe, Cajun pasta, sirloin steak dinner, ribeye with pasta, creamy garlic pasta, Cajun seasoning steak
