Irresistible Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni & Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple steak dinner into a flavor-packed feast without spending hours in the kitchen? Imagine juicy, tender steak tips infused with bold Cajun spices, served alongside creamy, cheesy rigatoni coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet flair.
Many home cooks struggle with finding that perfect Cajun seasoning blend or fear their steak tips might turn out tough or bland. Meanwhile, crafting a silky Parmesan cream sauce that perfectly coats pasta can feel daunting. Fortunately, this post breaks down the process into simple, approachable steps so you can confidently prepare this crowd-pleaser any night of the week—while infusing every bite with spicy goodness and creamy indulgence.
Let’s dive into this unbeatable combo—the spicy Cajun steak tips paired with cheesy rigatoni—a meal that’s both hearty and bursting with layered flavors.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need for this mouthwatering recipe:
For the Spicy Cajun Steak Tips:
- 1.5 pounds sirloin or ribeye steak tips, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Substitutions:
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a lighter protein swap.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce Cajun seasoning or use a low-sodium blend.
For the Cheesy Rigatoni & Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or mozzarella for a meltier texture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Substitutions:
- For keto-friendly pasta alternatives: try chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for dairy-free adaptions, adjusting cheese accordingly.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
This recipe has a quick turnaround, ideal for busy weeknights. The steak tips cook fast, similar to sautéed chicken bites, and the creamy pasta simmers while you finish the steak. This timing is comparable to classic one-pan creamy pasta dishes but adds that extra punch of Cajun spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Tips
Pat the steak tips dry to ensure a good sear. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steak tips in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned but still juicy inside. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This builds the flavor foundation for the sauce and final dish.
Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni
While finishing the steak, bring salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water—this starchy liquid helps brighten and loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, Parmesan, and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce feels too thick.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak
Add cooked rigatoni directly into the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece in cheesy goodness. Return steak tips to the skillet or mix into the pasta pot to combine all flavors evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 50g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
Healthier Alternatives
- Use leaner cuts like sirloin tips or substitute with skinless chicken thighs for less saturated fat and calories.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter sauce that still packs creaminess.
- Incorporate whole wheat or legume-based pasta for more fiber and nutrients.
- Fresh herbs and spices can reduce the need for extra salt while amplifying flavor complexity.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy Cajun steak dish pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette to balance richness.
- Roasted seasonal veggies—think Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini for contrast.
- For a low-carb twist, serve the steak over cauliflower “rigatoni” or spiralized squash.
- Add a side of crusty garlic bread or a warm cornbread muffin for an indulgent Southern-inspired meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking steak tips: They cook very quickly; overcooking leads to toughness. Remove from heat as soon as they develop a caramelized crust.
- Sauce too thick or thin: Gradually add cream to flour roux while whisking to avoid lumps; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Crowding the pan: Searing too many steak pieces at once causes steaming, not browning—work in batches for best results.
- Salting pasta water insufficiently: Pasta should taste like the sea; otherwise, the dish might taste bland.
Storing Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Separate pasta and steak if possible to maintain texture; reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving large portions at once—this cooks unevenly and risks drying out the steak.
- For meal prep, consider doubling the recipe and freezing single portions; thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni & Parmesan Cream Sauce is a surefire way to impress your family or dinner guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory depth makes it a comfort food staple you’ll turn to again and again. Ready to spice up your weeknight meals? Try this recipe, leave a comment below with your experience, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other pasta shapes instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even bow-tie pasta work wonderfully and hold sauce well, keeping every bite deliciously coated.
Q2: How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate kick. You can tone down the spice by using mild paprika or reducing the amount of Cajun seasoning and adding smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, due to the all-purpose flour and regular pasta. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice or almond flour to make it gluten-free.
Q4: Can I prepare parts of this meal ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and marinate the steak tips the day before and cook the pasta in advance (undercook slightly), then finish everything fresh on cook day.
