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Cajun Steak Pasta: Easy Dinner Recipe with Cheesy Rigatoni

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Tender Cajun-spiced steak tips folded into a rich Parmesan cream sauce with hearty rigatoni. Bold, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 10 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese optional

Method
 

  1. Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in Parmesan until melted. If using, add shredded mozzarella or Fontina. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
  5. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Fold steak tips into the pasta gently.
  6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top.

Notes

For extra depth, sear the steak in batches to prevent steaming and ensure a proper crust. A splash of chicken broth or white wine can be added to the sauce before cream for more dimension.