This recipe is a comfort food double threat: juicy Cajun steak tips seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with tender rigatoni pasta. Whether you’re craving a steakhouse-inspired dish or the ultimate pasta night indulgence, this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce brings the flavor and then some. It’s creamy, spicy, satisfying, and ready to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of spicy Cajun seasoning with creamy cheese sauce. The Cajun rub gives the steak deep flavor and a little heat, while the Parmesan cream sauce smooths it all out with rich, cheesy goodness. The rigatoni? Perfect for catching every drop of sauce. This dish looks and tastes like restaurant fare—but it’s shockingly easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Steak Tips: Sirloin tips or flank steak work best. Slice evenly for quick, even cooking.
- Cajun Seasoning: Use store-bought or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
- Pasta: Rigatoni holds the sauce well, but penne or rotini are great alternatives.
- Cream: Full-fat heavy cream yields the richest texture—don’t skimp.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt.
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: In a bowl, toss steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the steak tips: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add steak tips and sear 5–7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let simmer 3–5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the cheese: Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
- Combine: Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate in bowls and top with more Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Tips for Success
- Let the steak rest after cooking for extra tenderness.
- Don’t boil the cream sauce—simmer gently to avoid curdling.
- Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother, more luxurious sauce.
- Double the Cajun spice if you love heat, or mellow it with more cream.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make it a full meal with crowd-pleasing comfort sides and drinks:
- Start with Beer Cheese Dip for a creamy, craveable appetizer.
- Add a plate of Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Tex-Mex fusion twist.
- Cool things off with Crockpot Nacho Dip for creamy, scoopable variety.
- Pair with Chicken Enchiladas for a dual protein feast.
- And round out your pasta night with Instant Pot Lasagna for next-level pasta variety.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Not freezer-friendly: Cream-based sauces tend to separate, so enjoy fresh.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Beer Cheese Dip – The ultimate party side.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Easy, crispy, and great for leftovers.
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – Creamy, spicy, and set-it-and-forget-it.
- Chicken Enchiladas – The ultimate baked comfort.
- Instant Pot Lasagna – Fast and flavorful pasta perfection.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a dream dish for comfort food lovers with a spicy streak. It’s rich, cheesy, and bold—with enough steakhouse energy to wow a crowd and enough pasta to satisfy your soul. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night you’re ready to treat yourself, this skillet wonder has you covered.
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