Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, savory, and utterly satisfying, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy steak tips coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This dish is the definition of comfort food, but with a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for everything from a casual dinner to a special occasion.

The steak tips are packed with flavor and seared to perfection, while the rigatoni is coated in a velvety cheese sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together, creating a dish that’s indulgent and bursting with savory goodness. Trust me, this is a meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

  • Hearty & Satisfying: Between the perfectly seared steak tips and the cheesy rigatoni, this meal is filling enough to keep you satisfied, but still light enough to feel indulgent.
  • Garlic Butter Goodness: The rich, savory garlic butter sauce coats the steak tips beautifully, giving them a mouthwatering flavor that’s irresistible.
  • Creamy & Cheesy Rigatoni: The rigatoni is blanketed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings a comforting, satisfying element to every bite.
  • Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a dinner party, this dish will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:

  • Steak Tips: Tender, juicy pieces of steak that soak up the garlic butter and flavors perfectly.
  • Butter: The base for the rich garlic butter sauce that brings everything together.
  • Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic for that bold, savory flavor that makes this dish stand out.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper: To season the steak tips and make the flavors pop.

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

  • Rigatoni: A hearty pasta shape that’s perfect for holding all that cheesy goodness.
  • Heavy Cream: For the rich, creamy sauce that makes this pasta so indulgent.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce, making it stretchy and oh-so-creamy.
  • Garlic Powder: A bit more garlic flavor to tie everything together.
  • Butter: To make the sauce extra rich and smooth.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce, and set it aside.

2. Sear the Steak Tips:

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the steak tips to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear the steak tips for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits left in the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Prepare the Cheesy Sauce:

Add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the cheesy sauce.

5. Combine the Steak Tips and Pasta:

Return the cooked steak tips to the skillet with the cheesy rigatoni. Toss everything together until the steak tips are evenly mixed with the pasta and the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni hot, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but here are some great sides to complement it:

  • Garlic Bread: For extra garlic goodness, serve with warm, toasted garlic bread.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Pair with a light side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add some color and balance to the meal.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish and add some crunch.

Additional Tips

  • For Extra Flavor: You can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce if you like a little heat.
  • Customize the Cheese: If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to swap in cheddar cheese or fontina cheese for a twist on the classic mozzarella and parmesan combo.
  • Make it Ahead: You can cook the steak tips and pasta ahead of time, then reheat everything together in the skillet with the garlic butter sauce when you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef for the steak tips?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute the steak tips with other cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or even ribeye—just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the cheesy rigatoni and garlic butter steak tips in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Q3: Can I make this dish lighter?
A3: You can lighten up this dish by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opting for leaner cuts of beef, like flank steak or sirloin.

Q4: What if I don’t have rigatoni?
A4: No problem! You can use any pasta shape you like—penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti will work just as well.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and pasta mixture in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a little extra cream to revive the sauce.


Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and hearty. It’s a dish that’s quick to make but feels like a special treat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something delicious, this meal is sure to satisfy every time. Enjoy!

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Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a decadent and satisfying meal that combines tender steak tips in a savory garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy rigatoni. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye works well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Prepare the Steak Tips: Season the steak tips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak tips and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the remaining butter, fresh rosemary, and thyme (if using), and cook for another minute, stirring to combine.
  • Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the steak tips to the skillet, stirring to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet along with the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  • Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can use other cuts of steak if preferred, but tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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