Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); Salt and black pepper to taste; 10 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp butter (divided); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)

Oh, you’re going to love this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe—it’s seriously one of those meals that feels both special and comforting at the same time. The rich, creamy sauce clings perfectly to the rigatoni, and those spicy Cajun-seasoned steak tips give it such a delicious kick that keeps you coming back for more. Whenever I want something that feels indulgent but is still pretty straightforward, this dish is my go-to.

It’s fantastic for cozy weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings when you want something impressive but don’t want to fuss too much. Plus, it’s a great way to jazz up regular steak tips and pasta—trust me, once you try this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe, it’ll be a crowd-pleaser for years to come.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an essential role in this recipe—balancing creaminess, spice, and savory steak flavors. When you shop, look for good-quality steak tips and freshly grated Parmesan to make all the difference.

Steak tips: I prefer sirloin or ribeye—both are tender and flavorful for quick cooking.
Rigatoni pasta: Its ridges hold onto the cheesy sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream: This gives the sauce that luxurious richness you want in a cheesy pasta dish.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts better and adds the best sharpness.
Cajun seasoning: This is the star for spice—feel free to adjust the heat to your taste!
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that punch of flavor that wakes everything up.
Butter: Splitting it between cooking steak and finishing sauce adds depth.
Olive oil: For searing the steak tips to perfection.
Salt and black pepper: To season everything just right.
Mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional): I sometimes add this for an extra melty, gooey finish.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you should totally do the same! It’s flexible enough to handle tweaks without losing its delicious charm.

Swap the steak: I’ve used chicken breasts or even shrimp instead, and it still works beautifully if you want a lighter twist.
Make it vegetarian: Use firm tofu or sautéed mushrooms with extra Cajun seasoning and skip the steak tips.
Change the cheese: Try a blend of sharp cheddar with Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach to brighten it up and add nutrition.
Heat it up: If you love spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños along with the Cajun seasoning.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Steak Tips to Lock in Flavor

Start by seasoning your steak tips with salt, pepper, and that tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steak tips and sear them quickly—about 2 to 3 minutes per side—until you get a nice golden crust but they’re still juicy inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to. Once done, set them aside but keep that flavorful fond in the pan—that’s the secret to a rich sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta Just Right

Boil your rigatoni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions—usually around 10 minutes. I like to save about a half cup of the pasta water before draining; it helps loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you finish the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet with the steak drippings, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring often. Then, stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional mozzarella or Fontina if you’re using it. The sauce should become thick and creamy; if too thick, add some reserved pasta water a splash at a time until it reaches the consistency you like. Taste and add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the steak tips to the sauce, nestle in the cooked rigatoni, and gently toss everything together to get that irresistible creamy coating on each piece of pasta and steak. Let it cook together for 1-2 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly. At this point, it’s ready to serve but still piping hot and oh-so-good.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy, orange-colored sauce with small green herb specks mixed throughout. On top of the pasta, there is a layer of browned, grilled meat cut into bite-sized cubes with a glossy, slightly charred surface. The texture of the pasta shows ridges, and the sauce appears smooth and rich, clinging to each piece. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and brightness—it cuts through the creaminess nicely. A tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even some crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice touch if you want extra heat. And don’t skip an extra dusting of Parmesan; it’s the perfect finishing touch for this dish.

Side Dishes

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad dressed in something light and tangy like lemon vinaigrette. I’m also a fan of roasted or steamed veggies—broccoli or asparagus balance the richness and add a fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I love serving this dish in shallow pasta bowls and topping each serving with a sprig of fresh thyme or microgreens. You can also bake it briefly with extra cheese on top until bubbly and golden for a casserole-style treat that adults and kids alike adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta and steak absorb the sauce even more overnight, making it somehow even tastier! Just be sure to cool the dish before sealing.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible but with a slight caveat. The cream sauce can separate when thawed, so I prefer to freeze just the steak tips separately and cook fresh sauce and pasta when ready to eat. If you do freeze the whole dish, thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently to reduce splitting.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy texture. Avoid high heat or microwaving on high to keep the sauce from curdling. This way, you’ll get close to that fresh-made flavor again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for the Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend sirloin or ribeye for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or flank steak if you slice it thinly and cook quickly. Just avoid tougher cuts that require long slow cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. The flavor will be different but still tasty and creamy.
How spicy is this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe?

The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate spicy kick, but it’s easy to adjust depending on your heat tolerance. You can add less seasoning or omit additional cayenne pepper, or turn up the heat if you enjoy a fiery bite.
Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli would work wonderfully here. Choose a pasta with ridges to trap that cheesy goodness.
How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe takes about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe really holds a special place in my recipe rotation. It’s like getting a warm hug on a plate—comforting, bold, and deeply satisfying. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as effortless and delicious as I do. Honestly, once you nail the balance of that creamy sauce with those spicy steak tips, you’ll have a new favorite to pull out when you want something a little extra without a lot of fuss.