Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

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Are you on the hunt for a dinner that promises a little excitement? Something that marries the comforting warmth of a creamy pasta dish with a spirited, spicy kick and the deep satisfaction of tender steak? If that sounds like your kind of meal, then we have something truly special for you. Prepare to elevate your weeknight cooking with our sensational recipe for Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This isn’t merely a meal; it’s a culinary experience. It brings a restaurant-worthy feast to your dining table, creating a perfect harmony of rich, savoury, and piquant flavours in every forkful. Let’s head to the kitchen and create a bit of magic.

Why We Absolutely Adore This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this steak and pasta creation has become a cherished staple in our home, and we’re quite certain it will become one in yours too. It’s the type of dish that feels luxurious enough for a special occasion yet is straightforward enough to prepare on a hectic weekday.

A Perfect Harmony of Taste: The zesty, smoky notes of the Cajun seasoning provide a brilliant contrast to the decadent, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a delightful flavour pairing that will have you savouring every last bite.
Succulent, Juicy Steak Bites: We’ll guide you through searing the steak tips to perfection, ensuring they remain wonderfully juicy and tender, making them the ideal partner for the firm rigatoni.
A Sumptuously Creamy Sauce: At the very heart of this dish lies the cheesy Parmesan sauce. It’s wonderfully velvety and coats each piece of pasta, guaranteeing a burst of flavour with every mouthful.
Effortlessly Adaptable: Feel free to adjust the heat, toss in some of your favourite vegetables, or even use a different protein to truly make this recipe your own.
A Dish That Delights Everyone: Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family, hosting friends, or simply making yourself a treat, this recipe is sure to impress all who try it.

Ingredients for Your Cajun Steak Pasta Masterpiece

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get all our ingredients in order. Opting for fresh, quality components is the cornerstone of any memorable meal. For ease, we’ve organised the list into three sections: for the steak, the sauce, and the pasta.

For the Cajun Steak Tips

500g sirloin or rump steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use more or less to your taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
A pinch of salt

For the Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

- 400g rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped

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60ml dry white wine or chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)
400ml double cream
120g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Now, let’s get to the best bit! By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have a magnificent dinner on the table in no time at all. We find it helps to read through the entire method before you begin.

Prepare and Season the Steak: To ensure a fantastic sear, begin by patting your steak cubes completely dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the steak with one tablespoon of olive oil, the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Let it stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to marinate.
Cook the Rigatoni: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the rigatoni and cook as per the packet instructions until it’s al dente (with a slight bite). Before draining, carefully save around 250ml of the starchy pasta water; this liquid is a secret weapon for a silky sauce. Drain the pasta and pop it to one side.
Sear the Steak Tips: As the pasta cooks, heat the other tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over a medium-high heat. When the pan is nice and hot, place the steak tips in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if you need to. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side to form a lovely brown crust, leaving the inside slightly pink. Transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside.
Start the Parmesan Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Cook for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant and soften. If using wine or broth, pour it in now to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom.
Make It Creamy: Gently pour in the double cream, whisking as you go. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to low. Allow it to bubble away for 2-3 minutes, which will help it to thicken slightly.
Add the Cheese: Take the pan off the heat before stirring in the freshly grated Parmesan and paprika. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is perfectly smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce is a little too thick, just add a dash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Bring It All Together: Return the cooked rigatoni and the seared steak tips (don’t forget any juices on the plate!) to the pan with the sauce. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure the pasta and steak are beautifully coated in that delicious, cheesy sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Plate up your creamy Cajun pasta right away. Garnish with a liberal sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every mouthful!

Our Top Tips for the Perfect Steak and Pasta Dish

Having made this rigatoni pasta dish more times than we can count, we’ve discovered a few pointers along the way. Here are our secrets for elevating your meal from simply great to truly spectacular.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

The steak is a true highlight of this dish, so selecting a good cut really pays off. We often opt for sirloin, as it offers a wonderful balance of tenderness and flavour at a reasonable price. Rump or even ribeye steak are also fantastic alternatives. The main goal is to choose a cut that cooks relatively quickly while remaining tender. For more great advice on choosing and cooking steak, this guide from BBC Good Food on how to cook the perfect steak is a brilliant resource.

Getting the Perfect Sear

That rich, brown crust on your steak tips contributes an incredible depth of flavour. The trick is to get your pan very hot before the meat goes in. Once the steak is in the pan, resist the urge to move it around too much; this allows it to develop that beautiful crust. Lastly, always avoid overcrowding the pan, which would steam the meat rather than sear it.

Making the Creamiest Sauce

For a silky smooth, non-grainy cheese sauce, always grate your own Parmesan from a block. Pre-packaged shredded cheeses often have additives that can stop them from melting properly. It’s also vital to take the pan off the heat before you add the cheese, as this prevents the sauce from splitting.

Controlling the Spice Level

Cajun seasoning blends can differ quite a bit in their heat levels. If you prefer milder food, we suggest starting with less seasoning and tasting as you cook – you can always add more. If you accidentally make it a little too fiery, adding an extra splash of cream or a bit more cheese can help to mellow out the spice. For anyone who loves zesty, vibrant flavours, we think you’ll also adore The Ultimate Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe for another fabulous dinner idea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are our answers to some of the most common queries we receive about making our Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce.

Which cut of steak do you recommend for this dish?: We find sirloin or rump steak gives the best results, as they are tender, full of flavour, and don’t break the bank. For a more indulgent meal, you could certainly use ribeye, flat iron, or even fillet steak.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?: Pasta dishes are always at their peak when served immediately, as the sauce tends to thicken upon standing. To get ahead, you can prepare the components separately. Seasoning the steak and chopping the garlic and shallot beforehand can be a great time-saver.
What is the best way to store and reheat any leftovers?: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, we recommend warming it gently in a pan over a low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its lovely creamy consistency.
Is this spicy steak pasta suitable for children?: The level of spice comes from your chosen Cajun seasoning. Many brands available in supermarkets are quite mild. To make it completely child-friendly, you could season their portion of steak with just paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper instead.
Can I adapt this recipe to be gluten-free?: Of course! Simply swap the rigatoni for your preferred variety of gluten-free pasta. Just cook it according to the packet’s instructions, and the rest of the recipe can stay exactly the same.

If you enjoy comforting pasta dishes with beef, we’re sure you will also love Our Ultimate Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Rotini Recipe too!

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Comfort Meal Awaits

And there we have it—your complete guide to creating the most wonderfully flavourful Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This recipe truly is a celebration of taste, uniting spicy, creamy, and savoury notes into one remarkable steak and pasta recipe. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional to create meals that feel truly special.

So, why not give it a go? Head into the kitchen, assemble your ingredients, and prepare to delight your senses. We’re confident this is a dish that will quickly find a regular place in your meal plans.

Have you made this recipe? We would be delighted to hear from you! Please leave a comment below to tell us how you got on, or share this recipe with someone who you think would appreciate a fantastic home-cooked dinner.

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Meta Description: Looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavour? Discover how to create our amazing Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. This easy, creamy, and spicy recipe makes for the perfect comfort food any night of the week!