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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Allow the mixture to heat through for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want everything warmed and combined beautifully.
  11. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish!

Nutrition

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.