Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate comfort food moment, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is about to become your new obsession. Picture succulent steak tips, sautéed to perfection in luscious garlic butter, mingling with chewy, cheese-drenched rigatoni—each bite is pure restaurant-worthy bliss. This gorgeous recipe doesn’t just deliver on flavor and creamy texture; it comes together fast enough for a weeknight, but feels seriously special enough for date night or entertaining. With minimal, easy-to-find ingredients and a foolproof method, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni brings indulgence to your table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe such rich, satisfying flavor can come from such a simple lineup. Each ingredient in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is chosen to either boost the dish’s depth, deliver creamy texture, or add a punch of color and brightness. Don’t skip or swap unless noted—every piece is essential for that wow-factor result!

• Strip Steaks: The star of the show—choose well-marbled steaks for maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite of steak tips.
• Olive Oil: Helps give the steak a gorgeous, golden sear while bringing additional richness to the flavor profile.
• Butter: Creates that legendary garlic butter sauce and infuses both the steak and pasta with velvety goodness.
• Minced Garlic: The aromatic backbone—be generous for bold flavor, but sauté briefly to avoid burning.
• Chicken Broth: Adds body to the sauce, balancing richness with subtle savory notes; use low-sodium, if preferred.
• Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens, transforming the sauce into something silky and decadent.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Don’t skimp! Grate cheese yourself for smooth melting and deeply cheesy flavor.
• Rigatoni Pasta: The tube shape grabs all that cheesy sauce; cook just to al dente for a perfect bite.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of warmth and complexity, adjust to your spice preference.
• Oregano: Adds fragrant, herbal brightness that balances all the rich flavors.
• Thyme: The flecks of thyme complement the steak and elevate the sauce—fresh is fabulous, but dried works too.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bursts of tangy, savory sweetness woven into every forkful.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Get started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook just until al dente—usually a minute or two less than the package instructions. The pasta will finish absorbing sauce flavor later, so don’t overcook. Once it’s ready, drain and set it aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Pat your strip steaks dry and season them generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano or thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the steaks, searing for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your preferred doneness. Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into glorious steak tips to lock in those juices.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe out those flavorful brown bits!), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Add in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any golden bits from the pan. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes so it thickens slightly, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and totally smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes for another layer of flavor.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Add the sliced steak tips and cooked rigatoni right into the sauce, tossing to coat every tube of pasta and every bite of steak in that dreamy, cheesy creaminess. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Let it all warm through—and inhale the irresistible aroma of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni coming together!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once everything is combined and perfectly heated, pile the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni onto plates or a big serving platter. For extra flair and flavor, shower with chopped fresh parsley, more Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and watch as everyone dives in for seconds.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Dress up your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni with a scattering of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add brightness and a pop of color. Extra Parmesan is always a must—either grated or shaved over the top. If you’re craving a little kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling all on its own, but a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance everything out. Crusty bread is a smart move, too, for mopping up any extra sauce that collects at the bottom of the plate. Roasted asparagus or garlicky green beans would also be lovely, adding color and a fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni family-style in a big platter—let everyone help themselves. Or, dish it up in shallow bowls for a cozy, bistro-inspired vibe. Hosting a party? Try arranging the steak tips on top of the cheesy pasta with a dramatic flourish of herbs and Parmesan for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. The flavors get even better after a rest, so a next-day lunch is a delight!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. While the creamy sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, it usually returns to a silky texture after a gentle reheat. Label containers with the date and portion size for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy sauce. Stir frequently and heat only until just hot to avoid drying out the steak and sauce. Top with a little extra Parmesan and fresh herbs to freshen up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon all work beautifully for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Just aim for well-marbled cuts for the juiciest, most flavorful steak bites.

Is it okay to use store-bought grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and delivers superior flavor, but in a pinch, pre-grated will do the job. Avoid the shelf-stable, powdery varieties for this recipe, though—they won’t yield a smooth, creamy sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try unsweetened coconut cream or a plant-based substitute, but be aware the flavor will be a touch different.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, roasted mushrooms, or blanched broccoli are all delicious additions. Just stir your chosen veggies in at the same time as the rigatoni and steak tips to warm through.

What are the best ways to keep the steak juicy?

The most important trick is to let your steak rest before slicing and not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to keep it at your desired doneness, and slice against the grain for ultimate tenderness in every bite of your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that balances hearty, cheesy comfort with all the magic of perfectly cooked steak, you simply can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Whether you’re whipping it up for a laid-back weeknight or to impress a crowd, this recipe is sure to wow every time. Why not give it a try and see how fast it disappears? Bon appétit!

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