Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 4 people
So I made this last week when I was trying to impress my in-laws and let me tell you – this is one of those recipes that makes you look like a way better cook than you actually are. The steak gets all buttery and garlicky, and that cheese sauce on the rigatoni? Absolutely insane. My father-in-law literally asked if I went to culinary school. Nope, just the internet and some good ingredients. This is definitely going in the “show off” dinner rotation.
What You Need (Ingredients)
For the Steak:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized tips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional but really good)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make This Restaurant-Quality Dish (Step by Step)
Step 1: Get That Pasta Going
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rigatoni until it’s al dente – you know, still got a little bite to it. Before you drain it, save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. Trust me, you’ll need it later for the sauce.
Step 2: Season the Steak
While the pasta’s cooking, pat your steak tips dry with paper towels – this helps them get a good sear. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and that Cajun seasoning if you’re using it. Don’t be shy with the seasoning.
Step 3: Sear That Steak
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat until it’s really hot – like almost smoking. Add your steak tips in batches (don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear) and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they get that nice brown crust. Remove them and set aside – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet you cooked the steak in (don’t wash it – all those brown bits are flavor!), lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, throw in that minced garlic and cook for like 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Don’t let it burn or it’ll taste bitter.
Step 5: Build the Cheese Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring everything together. Let it come to a gentle simmer – you’ll see little bubbles around the edges. Add the Italian seasoning, then start stirring in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and smooth.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated. If the sauce looks too thick, add some of that pasta water you saved – a little at a time – until it looks right. Then add the steak tips back in with any juices that collected on the plate.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can get to know each other. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if it needs it. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is still all gooey.
Tips That’ll Make This Even Better
- Get your pan HOT: Seriously, a hot pan is what gives you that restaurant-quality sear on the steak. Don’t be scared of the heat.
- Don’t overcook the steak: These tips are small, so they cook fast. Medium or medium-rare is perfect because they’ll keep cooking a bit in the hot sauce.
- Freshly grate your cheese: I know pre-shredded is easier, but fresh cheese melts SO much better and doesn’t have that weird coating stuff on it.
- Save that pasta water: The starch in it helps the sauce stick to the pasta and thicken everything up perfectly.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Go spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are all great
- Different cheese: Try Gruyère or fontina for a fancier flavor
- Chicken version: Use chicken breast cut into chunks instead of steak
- Budget option: Use sirloin instead of ribeye – still delicious but cheaper
What to Serve With This
Honestly, this is pretty rich and filling on its own, but if you want sides:
- Simple Caesar salad
- Garlic bread (because why not more garlic?)
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A glass of red wine if you’re feeling fancy
Perfect for Date Night
This is seriously one of the best date night dinners because:
- It looks and tastes super impressive
- Takes less than 40 minutes start to finish
- Way cheaper than going out to a steakhouse
- Pairs great with wine and candles
- Leftovers are amazing (if you have any)
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep some stuff ahead:
- Cut the steak and season it in the morning, keep it covered in the fridge
- Grate your cheese ahead of time
- Mince the garlic earlier in the day
- The whole dish reheats pretty well, though the pasta soaks up sauce
Storage and Leftovers
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream
- The steak can get a little more cooked when reheated, so keep that in mind
- Honestly, I eat leftovers cold sometimes and it’s still good
Why This Recipe Is Legit Amazing
The combination of perfectly seared steak tips with that creamy, cheesy pasta is just unbeatable. The garlic butter ties everything together, and the two types of cheese give you that perfect stretchy, melty situation. Plus, everything cooks in basically two pans, so cleanup isn’t terrible.
Budget-Friendly Options
This can get a little pricey with the steak and cheese, but here’s how to save:
- Look for sales on steak tips or buy a whole sirloin on sale and cut it yourself
- Use one type of cheese instead of two (just mozzarella works fine)
- Make it stretch by adding more pasta and vegetables
- Still tastes amazing and way better than takeout
The Real Talk
Is this health food? Absolutely not. Is it worth every single calorie? One hundred percent yes. Sometimes you just need a dinner that makes you feel like you’re living your best life, and this is that dinner. Make it for someone you want to impress, or make it just for yourself because you deserve good food.
Try this and prepare to have people asking you for the recipe!
