If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and impressive, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy steak tips cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to make this delicious meal from scratch—including tips on selecting the best steak, how to get the perfect sear, and secrets to creamy, cheesy rigatoni. Plus, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the recipe to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights
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Rich Flavor: Garlic butter elevates the steak tips with a luscious, savory glaze
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Comfort Food Classic: Creamy rigatoni with melted cheese is the perfect partner for steak
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Versatile: Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep
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Crowd-Pleaser: Simple ingredients with bold, satisfying flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Steak Tips: Use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye tips for best texture
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Garlic: Fresh cloves bring strong, aromatic depth
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Butter: Unsalted butter creates a silky garlic sauce
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Rigatoni Pasta: Its ridged tubes hold creamy cheese sauce beautifully
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Cheese: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for melty, rich flavor
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Fresh Herbs: Parsley or thyme for garnish and freshness
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Steak Tips
Season steak tips with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add steak tips and sear on all sides, cooking 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. -
Cook the Rigatoni
Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Cheesy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic. Add shredded cheese and a splash of pasta water or cream, stirring until smooth and creamy. Toss in the cooked rigatoni until fully coated. -
Combine and Serve
Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
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Use high heat for a proper sear that locks in steak juices
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Don’t overcook the steak—aim for medium-rare to keep it tender
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Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness
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Grate cheese fresh for better melting and flavor
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Add herbs for color and fresh contrast
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What cut of steak is best for steak tips?
Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin tips offer great flavor and tenderness.
2. Can I use frozen steak tips?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
3. How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
Cook to medium-rare or medium and let rest before serving.
4. What cheese is best for the rigatoni?
A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gives the best blend of creaminess and flavor.
5. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes—penne, shells, or fusilli also work, though rigatoni holds sauce best.
6. How long does this recipe take to make?
About 30 minutes from start to finish.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that butter and seasonings are gluten-free.
8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes—prep steak and pasta separately and reheat gently before serving.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze components separately, but textures may change after thawing.
11. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or cream for moisture.
12. Can I add vegetables?
Yes—try sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
13. What wine pairs well with this dish?
Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pair nicely with steak.
14. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
15. How can I make the garlic flavor stand out more?
Use fresh minced garlic and gently sauté it to release its aroma without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe hits all the right notes for a quick, comforting, and flavorful dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this meal is sure to impress with its juicy steak tips and rich, cheesy pasta.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips sirloin or ribeye recommended
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ cup heavy cream or reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Tips:
- Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add half the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the steak tips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Rigatoni:
- While the steak cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for steak, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the rest of the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese. Slowly add heavy cream or reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat in the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve:
- Divide the cheesy rigatoni among plates and top with garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
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