Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re looking for a satisfying, restaurant-quality lunch meal that you can make at home, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the perfect recipe. This dish features tender, juicy steak tips coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy, cheesy rigatoni. The combination of bold flavors, smooth textures, and hearty ingredients makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make the best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, including key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, expert tips, presentation ideas, creative variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love “Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni”

Rich and flavorful – Juicy steak tips cooked in a buttery garlic sauce add bold, savory goodness.
Cheesy and creamy – The rigatoni is coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce that complements the steak.
Easy to make – This dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a great option for a homemade gourmet meal.
Customizable – You can switch up the cheeses, add veggies, or use different pasta shapes to suit your taste.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Steak Tips

Tender, bite-sized pieces of steak that absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Can be made with sirloin, ribeye, or beef tenderloin for maximum flavor.

Rigatoni Pasta

The large, tube-shaped pasta holds onto the cheesy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
A sturdy pasta choice that pairs well with the hearty steak tips.

Garlic Butter Sauce

Made with butter, garlic, and herbs to create a rich and aromatic coating for the steak.
Adds depth and enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

Heavy Cream and Milk

Used to create the creamy cheese sauce that coats the rigatoni.
Helps achieve a smooth and velvety texture.

Cheese (Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar)

Parmesan adds a nutty, slightly salty flavor.
Mozzarella creates a stretchy, gooey texture.
Cheddar adds depth and richness to the cheese sauce.

Olive Oil

Used for searing the steak tips to create a flavorful crust.
Enhances the richness of the dish.

Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, and Italian Seasoning)

Salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors of the steak.
Paprika adds a slight smokiness.
Italian seasoning provides an aromatic blend of herbs that complement the dish.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Chives for Garnish)

Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
Enhances the visual appeal and taste.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients “Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni”

For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:

1.5 pounds steak tips (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step “Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni” Cooking Instructions with Expert Tips

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.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Expert Tip: Adding a little pasta water to the cheese sauce later helps create a silky, smooth texture.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Pat the steak tips dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Add the steak tips to the hot skillet and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until browned.
Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.

Expert Tip: Let the steak rest after cooking to retain its juices and keep it tender.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the steak tips to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce.

Expert Tip: Avoid overcooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce

In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring until warm.
Slowly add the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and black pepper.

Expert Tip: Stir the sauce continuously to prevent clumping and create a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss until fully coated.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Plate the cheesy rigatoni first.
Spoon the garlic butter steak tips over the pasta.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Presentation Tips

Serve the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in a shallow pasta bowl for a restaurant-style look.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top for added flavor.
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Creative Twists

Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic butter for extra depth.
Protein Swap: Try grilled chicken or shrimp instead of steak tips.
Bacon Infusion: Mix crispy bacon bits into the cheese sauce for extra smokiness.

Pro Tip for Customization

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more veggies like spinach or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make “Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni“ ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the steak tips and cheese sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What other pasta can I use?

Penne, fusilli, or cavatappi work well in place of rigatoni.

Can I use a different cheese blend?

Absolutely! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Fontina are great alternatives for a unique twist.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal!