Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Rigatoni
This dish features tender steak tips seared to perfection and served over creamy rigatoni in a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s a delightful combination of Cajun spices and cheesy goodness that will impress any dinner guest.
- Author: homebitesia
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized tips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. You want it firm to the bite, so keep an eye on it!
- While the pasta cooks, place the sirloin steak tips in a bowl and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Toss until the steak is evenly coated — this will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the steak tips in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until browned.
- Flip the steak tips and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare is about 135°F). Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside; be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. You want it to be golden and aromatic!
- Pour in the heavy cream and give it a good stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, which will take about 2 minutes.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Once the cheese is fully melted, add in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Next, add the cooked rigatoni and seared steak tips back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are well-coated in the creamy sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to heat through for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want everything warmed and combined beautifully.
- Finally, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: For the best flavor, allow the steak to marinate in the Cajun seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one for the perfect sear.