Description
Tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips are paired with rigatoni in a rich, cheesy Parmesan and mozzarella sauce. This bold, creamy dish comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 oz rigatoni pasta
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or half & half for extra creaminess)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in the cooked Cajun steak tips.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Swap steak for chicken breast or shrimp for a protein variation.
Use half & half or a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Add sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers for more veggies.
To reheat, use a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
