Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni! This dish is my go-to for cozy dinners, and it’s such a crowd-pleaser. The tender steak tips, kissed by rich garlic butter, paired with the creamy, cheesy rigatoni, is just pure comfort in a bowl. I remember the first time I made this for a dinner party; the aroma filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is so easy to whip up. Honestly, it’s perfect for any occasion – casual weeknight or special gathering. You’ve got to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb steak tips
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz rigatoni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! This is where the magic happens, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to bring this dish to life. Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Cooking the Rigatoni
First things first, let’s get that rigatoni cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. For that perfect al dente texture, I like to taste it a minute or two before the timer goes off. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling later.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Steak Tips
Next up, let’s get to those steak tips! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s all bubbly and starting to smell heavenly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—just watch it, you don’t want it to burn! Now, season your steak tips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. Trust me, the aroma will have you drooling!
Making the Cheesy Sauce
Now for the cheesy magic! In a separate pot, combine the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan. Keep the heat low and stir gently until everything melts together into a smooth and creamy sauce. This part is crucial—if the heat is too high, you might end up with a clumpy mess instead of a silky sauce, so take your time! If you want a little extra depth, feel free to toss in a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Combining and Serving
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour that luscious cheese sauce over the rigatoni and mix until every piece is covered in cheesy goodness. Serve the garlic butter steak tips right on top of the cheesy rigatoni. Wow, doesn’t that look incredible? For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Get ready for some happy faces at the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, savory flavors from the garlic butter and tender steak tips will have everyone begging for seconds.
- The creamy, cheesy rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that pairs beautifully with the steak.
- It’s versatile—great for family dinners, date nights, or even a casual gathering with friends.
- You’ll impress your guests with minimal effort, making it feel like a gourmet meal.
- It’s a complete meal in one dish—no need for sides!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as amazing the next day, making lunch a breeze.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni turns out just perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Seasoning is key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra kick.
- Choose the right cut: While I love using steak tips for this recipe, you can switch it up with cuts like sirloin or ribeye for more marbling. Just remember, the more tender the cut, the quicker it cooks—so keep an eye on it!
- Add fresh herbs: For a burst of freshness, consider tossing in some chopped parsley or thyme at the end. It brightens the dish and adds a lovely pop of flavor!
- Don’t rush the cheese sauce: When melting your cheese, keep the heat low and stir gently. If it gets too hot too fast, you could end up with a clumpy sauce instead of that creamy goodness we all love.
- Leftover magic: If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big if in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just add a splash of cream when reheating to bring back that luscious texture!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, there are so many fun ways to customize your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni! Here are some ideas that I absolutely love:
- Switch up the pasta: While rigatoni is perfect for holding all that cheesy goodness, you can try using other types of pasta like penne, farfalle, or even pappardelle. Each shape adds a unique twist to the dish!
- Add some veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by tossing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Just cook them in the garlic butter before adding the steak tips for an added layer of flavor.
- Go for different cheeses: If you’re a cheese lover like me, experiment with different varieties. Try adding pepper jack for a spicy kick, or swap the cheddar for a creamy Gruyère or fontina for a gourmet touch.
- Make it lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a splash of chicken broth to reduce the richness. You can still get that creamy texture without all the calories!
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs can really elevate this dish! Consider adding chopped basil or oregano to the cheese sauce for a fresh burst of flavor that complements the steak beautifully.
- Try a different protein: Not in the mood for steak? You can easily swap in chicken breast or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly cooked!
With these variations, you can keep your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni exciting and fresh every time. Don’t hesitate to get creative—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, can be just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni to keep that flavor and texture intact.
First off, let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing. This step is super important! You don’t want to trap steam in your container, which can make everything soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it needs to be enjoyed by!
When it comes time to reheat, you can either use the microwave or the stovetop. If you’re using a microwave, place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. This helps avoid hot spots and ensures everything heats evenly.
If you prefer the stovetop, add the leftover rigatoni and steak tips to a skillet over low heat. To keep it creamy, add a splash of milk or heavy cream while stirring until everything is heated through. This not only brings back that luscious texture but also reinvigorates the flavors!
Remember, don’t overheat it! You just want to warm it up, not cook it again. With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni just as much the next day. Happy reheating!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the ingredients you use and portion sizes:
- Calories: 650
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
This dish is definitely hearty, but with all that protein and flavor, it’s worth every bite! Just remember, if you’re adjusting ingredients or portion sizes, these values may change. Enjoy every delicious morsel!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for holding that cheesy sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
What if I don’t have steak tips?
No problem at all! You can use cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken breast if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of meat you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the steak tips and cheese sauce in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the rigatoni and heat everything up together for a quick meal!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while cooking, or even a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Let your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the container with the date!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic butter steak tips served with cheesy rigatoni.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz rigatoni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Season steak tips with salt and pepper.
- Add steak tips to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- In a separate pot, combine cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan over low heat until melted.
- Drain rigatoni and mix with cheese sauce.
- Serve steak tips over cheesy rigatoni.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use your favorite cut of steak.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, steak recipe, pasta recipe, dinner ideas
