Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

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Bold, flavorful, and incredibly comforting — this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce dish brings restaurant-quality taste to your dinner table. The perfectly seared Cajun-seasoned steak tips deliver a smoky, spicy kick, while the creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every curve of the rigatoni pasta, making each bite a savory masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or impressing guests, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

The balance between the spicy Cajun crust on the steak and the smooth, cheesy pasta sauce is what makes this dish truly special. It’s indulgent without being overly heavy, and the textures — tender steak, al dente pasta, and creamy sauce — make it satisfying in every sense. This is one of those meals that lingers in your memory and has everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

This dish is all about big flavor without complicated prep. You’ll love how the spice from the Cajun rub enhances the juicy steak tips, pairing beautifully with the rich, cheesy pasta. It’s a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to pull off at home.

Plus, it’s fully customizable — you can adjust the spice level, swap in your favorite pasta, or even add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own. It’s also perfect for meal prep and reheats like a dream.

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What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For the juiciest, most flavorful steak tips, opt for cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Sirloin is a great balance between tenderness and affordability, while ribeye offers a rich, marbled texture that melts in your mouth. You’ll want to cube the steak into bite-sized pieces and sear them in a hot pan to lock in all that Cajun flavor.

Avoid using lean cuts like round or chuck for this recipe, as they can become tough when quickly seared. The key is to get that golden-brown crust without overcooking the inside. Medium-rare to medium is the sweet spot.

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Ingredients for the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Every ingredient in this dish plays a flavorful role, enhancing either the spice of the steak or the richness of the pasta. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Sirloin Steak Tips: A tender cut perfect for searing with a Cajun crust. They soak up flavor while remaining juicy.
• Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges and hollow center make it ideal for holding the cheesy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture for the Parmesan sauce.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully into the cream, adding nutty, salty depth.
• Cajun Seasoning: The star of the spice show, bringing heat, smokiness, and bold flavor.
• Garlic (Minced): Adds a layer of savory aroma to the sauce.
• Butter: Helps brown the steak and starts the base of the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Gives a nice sear to the steak and prevents sticking.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh finish.

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How To Make the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak Tips

Start by patting your steak tips dry and seasoning generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, then sear the steak tips until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before stirring in the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and sauce thickens. If too thick, loosen it with some reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece in the creamy Parmesan goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Serve the cheesy rigatoni in bowls and top generously with the Cajun steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

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Serving and Storing Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

This dish serves 4 generous portions, making it a perfect option for family dinners or casual entertaining. For the best presentation, serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the steak tips are hot and juicy.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the saucy consistency. Avoid microwaving the steak for too long as it may become tough.

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What to Serve With Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce?

Garlic Bread

The buttery crunch of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta and helps scoop up any extra sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh and light contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted or grilled asparagus adds a slight char and a healthy green touch to the plate.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms with a bit of garlic and butter complement the Cajun flavors in the steak.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Crisped to perfection, these little veggies offer a great textural contrast.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water

A glass of red wine or even sparkling water with lemon helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Cornbread Muffins

A Southern-style addition that can balance out the heat and round out the meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, absolutely. While rigatoni is great for holding sauce, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine can work just as well depending on what you have on hand.

2. How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning has a moderate heat level, but the spice can vary between brands. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead by searing the steak and making the sauce, then storing separately. When ready to serve, reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help thicken it.

5. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. The result won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be flavorful and satisfying.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or use a different cut of steak? Did you go spicier or mild?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Want more hearty comfort meals? Check out my daily recipes on Pinterest here: Life With Livia on Pinterest

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Conclusion

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a rich, bold, and deeply satisfying dish that you can whip up without any fancy culinary skills. The Cajun spices bring the heat, the creamy Parmesan sauce provides the comfort, and together, they transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Whether you’re spicing up your weeknight menu or serving guests, this is the kind of pasta dish that delivers every time. Save it, share it, and savor every bite!

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