If there’s one dish that’ll instantly win over any pasta or steak lover, it’s Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Imagine juicy, caramelized steak tips drenched in rich, garlicky butter, cozied up next to tender rigatoni smothered in a blanket of velvety, molten cheese sauce. This is true comfort food at its finest, and it’s shockingly simple to whip up on even the busiest weeknight. Whether it’s a romantic date night in, a celebratory dinner, or just an excuse to treat yourself, this meal brings steakhouse vibes straight to your kitchen—no reservations (or fancy attire) required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni are refreshingly straightforward, letting you focus on quality and flavor. Every component plays an essential role, from the balanced seasonings to the oozy cheese and the steak’s buttery finish.
- Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 1/2 pounds, cut into bite-sized cubes): Choose a tender, juicy cut for melt-in-your-mouth steak bites.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and helps achieve that crave-worthy sear on the steak.
- Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, divided): Creates an ultra-rich cheese sauce and luscious garlic butter for the steak.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Lends bold, aromatic flavor to the garlic butter and infuses the entire dish.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens up the final platter and adds a burst of freshness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings; don’t be shy to really bring out the flavors.
- Rigatoni pasta (12 oz): Perfectly hearty, its ridges catch every bit of the cheesy goodness.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the cheese sauce to a dreamy consistency.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Gives the sauce richness and body without heaviness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers a salty, nutty punch that rounds out the cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Layers in savory depth to the pasta.
- Extra salt (1/4 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Builds flavor in the sauce so every bite is seasoned just right.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package instructions—usually around 10–12 minutes. You want the pasta to still have a little bite, since it’ll soak up the cheese sauce later. Once done, drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Craft the Cheesy Sauce
Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk together, cooking for just about one minute until it’s golden and smells toasty (this gets rid of any raw flour taste). Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook for 3–4 more minutes as it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
Once your sauce base is smooth and just thickened, stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, letting them melt into silky submission. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the sauce is creamy and all the cheese is melted. Fold the drained rigatoni right into the sauce, making sure every tube gets coated. Remove from heat and keep warm while you focus on the steak tips.
Step 4: Sear the Steak Tips
Season your steak cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When the oil is shimmering, add the steak tips in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side to get that irresistible, golden-brown crust, all while keeping the interior tender and juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll steam instead of searing!
Step 5: The Magical Garlic Butter Finish
Once your steak tips are nearly done, lower the heat to medium, and add in the remaining three tablespoons of unsalted butter and all the minced garlic. As the butter melts, give everything a good stir and start spooning the garlicky butter over the steak tips. This quick finish coats the beef in flavor and ensures every bite is dripping with garlicky goodness. Sprinkle on half the parsley as you stir.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To bring it all together, serve the golden garlic butter steak tips either nestled right on top of the cheesy rigatoni or cozied up beside it. Drizzle over any leftover garlic butter from the pan, and shower with the remaining parsley. This is Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni at its most glorious!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Garnishes
Nothing elevates Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni quite like a fresh, generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. A dusting of extra Parmesan makes the whole plate pop. For a splash of color and zing, try a scatter of cherry tomato halves or a light dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is hearty, sides can be simple: a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or roasted broccoli work beautifully to cut through the richness. If you want to go all out, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of cheesy sauce and buttery drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Spoon the cheesy rigatoni into individual bowls and top with steak tips for a cozy, bistro vibe. For dinner parties, serve family-style on a large platter, sprinkled with plenty of parsley and Parmesan. Or, try layering everything in individual ramekins and flashing them under the broiler for bubbly, crispy cheese tops.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni into separate airtight containers. The flavors only get cozier after a night in the fridge, and everything will keep well chilled for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for up to 2 months. For best results, portion the steak and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers. The texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly after thawing, but a gentle reheat and splash of milk can bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave single servings until warmed through, adding a drizzle of milk to the pasta if it seems dry. For larger amounts, gently rewarm on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. The steak tips can be quickly reheated in a skillet with a pat of butter to restore that glorious, garlicky finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even shells are delicious options if you’re out of rigatoni, as long as the pasta has nooks and crannies to hold the cheesy sauce.
What’s the best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?
Sirloin is budget-friendly and quite tender, while ribeye offers more marbling and a luxurious bite. Either will work wonderfully—choose your favorite or what’s on sale.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The cheese sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. When reheating, gently warm and add an extra splash of milk to help restore its creamy texture.
How do I get the perfect sear on steak tips?
Ensure the skillet is hot and avoid overcrowding. Pat steak cubes dry with a paper towel before seasoning to get the best caramelization and crust.
Is there a way to lighten up the dish?
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and cheese, swap in half chicken breast for the steak, and load up the plate with extra veggies. Even with tweaks, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni will still deliver flavor-packed comfort.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re craving the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, let Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni steal the spotlight. This recipe is foolproof, decadent, and designed to cozy up both weeknights and special occasions. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple on your dinner table—you (and anyone lucky enough to join you!) will be looking for seconds.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious meal with these Garlic Butter Steak Tips served alongside Cheesy Rigatoni. Tender steak cubes are seared to perfection in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy rigatoni pasta coated in a cheesy, savory sauce.
Ingredients
For the steak tips:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the cheesy rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta: Boil in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss cooked rigatoni in the sauce.
- Cook the steak tips: Season beef, sear in olive oil, then add butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant and well coated.
- Serve: Place steak tips over or alongside the cheesy rigatoni and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Marinate steak tips in Worcestershire sauce and garlic for extra flavor.
- Add heavy cream to cheese sauce for richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
