If you’re looking for a bold, satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a weeknight, this Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips and Rigatoni recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, well-seasoned steak tips are pan-seared to perfection, then folded into tender rigatoni coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. The Cajun spices add warmth and depth without overwhelming the dish, while the cheesy pasta balances everything with pure comfort.
This is the kind of meal that disappears fast—hearty, indulgent, and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe delivers big rewards with simple steps.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips and Rigatoni
- Bold Cajun flavor without being overly spicy
- Creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce that clings to every noodle
- Tender steak tips with a beautiful sear
- Comfort food vibes with a little Southern flair
- Perfect for special dinners or cozy weekends
- Easy to customize for heat level and protein swaps
This dish brings together steakhouse energy and creamy pasta comfort in one unforgettable bowl.
Ingredients for Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips and Rigatoni
This recipe uses familiar ingredients that come together for a truly impressive result.
Steak Tips
- 1½ pounds steak tips (sirloin or similar cut)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rigatoni and Parmesan Sauce
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Steak tips: Sirloin is ideal, but strip steak or ribeye also works. Slice into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cajun seasoning: Use mild Cajun seasoning for family-friendly heat, or reduce the amount if serving kids.
- Cream: Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly thinner.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Protein swaps: Chicken breast, chicken thighs, or mushrooms make excellent alternatives.
This recipe contains no alcohol and no pork, making it suitable for broad audiences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfectly cooked steak and a silky, cheesy sauce.
Step 1 – Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Season the Steak Tips
Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, making sure all sides are coated.
Step 3 – Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 4 – Build the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter, then sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5 – Make the Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6 – Combine Pasta and Steak
Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce. Return the steak tips to the skillet and gently fold everything together.
Step 7 – Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak—cook in batches if needed.
- Let the steak rest before adding it back to the pasta to keep it juicy.
- Use low heat when adding cheese to prevent grainy sauce.
- Salt the pasta water well—it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level.
Flavor Variations
- Extra Spicy Cajun: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Parmesan Boost: Increase garlic and add a touch of garlic powder.
- Creamy Cajun Chicken: Swap steak tips for pan-seared chicken breast.
- Veggie-Forward Version: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Cheese Blend Twist: Mix Parmesan with a small amount of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Roasted asparagus
For a complete meal, keep sides simple to let the pasta shine.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen. If freezing, do so without the steak and add fresh-cooked steak when reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips and Rigatoni You’ll Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy Cajun-seasoned steak tips folded into tender rigatoni coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce for a bold and comforting dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds steak tips (sirloin or similar cut)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet and sear steak tips until browned.
- Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onion in butter until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add rigatoni and toss to coat, using pasta water as needed.
- Return steak tips to skillet and gently combine.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use low heat when adding cheese to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun Italian Fusion
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 720 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips and Rigatoni
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. You can also add extra cream or cheese to mellow the heat.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin steak tips are ideal because they’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly. Ribeye or strip steak also work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, ziti, or fusilli are great alternatives if rigatoni isn’t available.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Use low heat when adding cheese and avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Cajun Steak Tips and Rigatoni You’ll Love recipe is the ultimate comfort dish with a bold twist. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special homemade dinner. Once you try it, this dish is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.