If you’re craving a bold and hearty pasta dish, look no further than this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. Tender, juicy steak tips are seasoned with Cajun spices and tossed into a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce with rigatoni pasta. The result is a comforting, restaurant-style dinner you can make right at home.
This recipe is the perfect mix of smoky Cajun heat, creamy cheese sauce, and savory steak—a true comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2–3 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1–2 tablespoons of salt to season the pasta water—this step is essential for flavor. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite, usually 10–12 minutes).
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later. Drain the pasta, drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Steak Tips
Pat the steak tips completely dry with paper towels—this helps them sear instead of steam. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt until slightly foamy. Place the steak tips in the skillet in a single layer—avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and caramelized on the outside while still juicy inside. For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
Once seared, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Do not wipe out the skillet—you’ll use those flavorful browned bits for the sauce.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. To the same skillet with the steak drippings, slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits (this adds rich flavor to the sauce).
Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth base. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella, whisking until the sauce becomes creamy, thick, and velvety.
Taste the sauce and adjust with extra Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni pasta directly into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently until every piece of pasta is well coated and glossy. Return the seared steak tips to the pan and stir to combine, making sure the steak is evenly distributed throughout the cheesy pasta. Heat for 1–2 minutes to warm everything through.
5. Serve
Spoon the Cajun steak pasta into bowls or onto plates. Garnish generously with fresh parsley, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for the Best Cajun Steak Rigatoni
- Choose quality steak – ribeye or sirloin gives the most tender and flavorful results.
- Cut steak evenly – bite-sized, uniform cubes ensure even cooking.
- Pat steak dry – moisture prevents proper searing and caramelization.
- Season generously – don’t be shy with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Use a hot skillet – cast iron or stainless steel holds heat best for searing.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – sear steak tips in batches if needed to get a proper crust.
- Butter adds flavor – butter gives richness and helps brown the steak beautifully.
- Deglaze the pan – scrape up the browned bits after cooking steak for a deeper, smoky flavor in the sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente – slightly firm pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water – use it to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use fresh cheeses – shred Parmesan and mozzarella yourself for a smoother melt.
- Soften cream cheese – room-temperature cream cheese blends faster and prevents lumps.
- Adjust Cajun heat – add more seasoning for extra spice, or reduce for a milder dish.
- Balance richness – a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten and cut through the creamy sauce.
- Add vegetables – sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it smoky – stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Double cheese topping – sprinkle extra mozzarella and broil until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish well – fresh parsley or chives add color and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- Pair with sides – garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies complete the meal.
- Reheat carefully – add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from drying out.
What to Serve With Cajun Steak Rigatoni
This Cajun Steak Rigatoni in Cheesy Parmesan Sauce is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors. Pairing it with the right sides helps balance the meal and turn it into a restaurant-quality dining experience. Here are some of the best options:
1. Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread (or garlic knots) is a classic side for pasta dishes. The crispy edges and soft center make it perfect for soaking up the extra cheesy Parmesan sauce. You can make it with a simple baguette, butter, garlic, and parsley—or go all out with cheesy garlic bread for an indulgent pairing.
2. Fresh Garden Salad
A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the creamy sauce. Use crisp greens like romaine or arugula, add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, and dress it with a zesty vinaigrette or lemon dressing. The acidity cuts through the heaviness of the pasta and steak.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add freshness and texture to the meal. Roasting brings out natural sweetness and creates a caramelized edge that pairs beautifully with the smoky Cajun seasoning in the pasta.
4. Red Wine Pairing
If you enjoy wine, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Merlot complements the savory steak and creamy Parmesan sauce. These bold red wines have enough body to stand up to the richness of the dish. If you prefer white wine, try a Chardonnay with a buttery finish.
5. Lighter Options
- Steamed green beans with lemon and olive oil for a simple side.
- Cucumber and tomato salad with a touch of feta for freshness.
- Roasted mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements steak.
6. Indulgent Pairings
- Cheesy breadsticks for double-cheese lovers.
- Creamed spinach for a steakhouse-style feel.
- Mashed potatoes or polenta if you want to turn it into a true comfort food feast.
Storage & Reheating
This Cajun Steak Rigatoni in Cheesy Parmesan Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, when the pasta is creamy, the steak is juicy, and the sauce is silky smooth. But if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them without losing flavor or texture:
Refrigerating
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing—placing it hot in a container creates steam that makes the sauce watery.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best texture, keep the steak tips separate from the pasta and sauce if possible, then combine when reheating.
Freezing (Optional)
- This dish can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the pasta and steak without the sauce, as creamy sauces may separate.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or zip bag for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop (best method): Add leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring back creaminess. Heat until warmed through.
- Oven method: Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. Add a little cream before covering to keep it from drying out.
- Microwave method: If using the microwave, heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, and add a splash of cream to maintain moisture. Be careful—overheating can make the steak chewy.
- Air fryer tip (for steak only): If you stored steak separately, you can quickly reheat the steak tips in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes to bring back a slight sear before mixing them back into the pasta.
Extra Tips
- Always reheat slowly to preserve the creamy sauce.
- Add fresh grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning before serving to refresh the flavors.
- For a fresh touch, garnish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice after reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is rich, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. With tender steak, creamy pasta, and Cajun spice, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.