Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic that happens when you combine garlic butter steak with creamy parmesan rigatoni! This dish is an absolute flavor bomb that never fails to impress—whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The juicy, tender steak drizzled in rich garlic butter paired with the cheesy, comforting rigatoni creates a symphony of tastes that makes your taste buds dance! Trust me, once you try this garlic butter steak parmesan rigatoni, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes, just like it is for me. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy night, but fancy enough to make you feel like a culinary superstar. So, let’s get cooking and dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb steak – Choose your favorite cut, like ribeye or sirloin, for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter – You can either make your own or grab a ready-made version for convenience.
- 8 oz rigatoni – This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto all that delicious sauce!
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan – Freshly grated is ideal for the creamiest texture, but pre-grated will do in a pinch.
- Salt to taste – Just a sprinkle to enhance those flavors!
- Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This is for cooking the steak; it adds flavor and helps achieve that perfect sear.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – Chopped finely, this adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni
Season the Steak
First things first, let’s season that steak! I like to keep it simple—just sprinkle a generous amount of salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides of the steak. Make sure to rub it in a bit so the flavors really get into the meat. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
Cook the Steak
Now, heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. You want it nice and hot but not smoking—just enough to create a beautiful sear. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned steak in the skillet. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side for that perfect medium-rare. If you’ve got a meat thermometer handy, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C). Ooh, that sizzle is music to my ears! When it’s done, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, making every bite incredibly tender.
Prepare the Rigatoni
While the steak is resting, it’s time to get that rigatoni cooking! Boil a large pot of salted water and add the rigatoni. Follow the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling.
Combine Ingredients
Now, back to that skillet! Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic butter. Let it melt and fill your kitchen with that heavenly aroma. Once melted, toss in the cooked rigatoni, and give it a good stir to coat all the pasta in that luscious garlic butter. Then, sprinkle in the grated parmesan and mix until it’s melted and creamy. Wow, just wow! You’ll want to dive right in, but hold on—we’re almost there!
Serve the Dish
Now comes the fun part! Slice the rested steak against the grain into juicy strips. Take a generous serving of that garlic butter rigatoni and place it on a plate, then elegantly lay the steak on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley over everything for a pop of color and flavor. You’re all set! Grab a fork and dig in—you’re going to absolutely love this dish!
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic butter steak parmesan rigatoni turns out absolutely divine, here are some of my best tips that I swear by:
- Choose the right steak: For the juiciest results, go for cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. They have great marbling that adds flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking is crucial. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside, so every bite is juicy and flavorful!
- Cook pasta al dente: Aim for al dente pasta, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. This will help it hold up better when tossed with the sauce.
- Experiment with garlic butter: If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding fresh minced garlic to your garlic butter. It’ll give your dish that extra punch!
- Adjust the cheese: Feel free to swap out the parmesan for other cheeses like pecorino or even a bit of mozzarella if you want a gooey texture.
- Spice it up: If you want a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. It adds a nice kick that complements the richness perfectly!
- Finish with lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the steak and pasta.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to impress everyone at the dinner table with your culinary skills! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one plate of this delicious garlic butter steak parmesan rigatoni. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This dish is packed with protein from the steak and is a comforting meal that can fit into a balanced diet. Just remember, these are estimates, so feel free to adjust as you see fit! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
FAQ Section
What’s the best cut of steak to use?
For this garlic butter steak parmesan rigatoni, I recommend tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. They not only taste fantastic but also cook beautifully!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which might be a rare occurrence because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra garlic butter to bring back the creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep parts of it ahead! Season and cook the steak, then store it in the fridge. Cook the rigatoni and prepare the garlic butter as well. Just combine everything right before serving for the best freshness!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rigatoni, this dish can fit perfectly into a gluten-free diet! Just double-check the packaging to be sure!
What can I serve with garlic butter steak parmesan rigatoni?
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to add some sides, a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables would pair beautifully. They add a nice crunch and freshness!
How do I know when the steak is done?
If you’re unsure, using a meat thermometer is your best friend! For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C). If you prefer it more well-done, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This garlic butter steak parmesan rigatoni comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich Flavors: The combination of juicy steak, creamy parmesan, and fragrant garlic butter creates a mouthwatering dish that’s simply unforgettable.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love this comforting pasta dish—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients, whether it’s adding veggies or experimenting with different cheeses.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it up with the steak elegantly sliced on top of the pasta, and it looks like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen!
- Leftover Friendly: If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), they reheat beautifully, making for a delicious lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Ah, the age-old question of leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have any of this garlic butter steak parmesan rigatoni left, here’s how to store it properly to keep all that deliciousness intact:
- Storing: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container—this helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the sooner you enjoy it, the better it tastes!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is simple! You can use either the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, and add a splash of water or a bit of garlic butter to keep it creamy. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- If you prefer the stovetop, heat a skillet over low to medium heat, add a little olive oil or extra garlic butter, and toss in the rigatoni. Stir gently until everything is warmed up and deliciously creamy again. Just be careful not to overcook it. You want to keep that lovely texture!
And there you have it! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around, because this dish is too good to waste!
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Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni: 7 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic butter steak with parmesan rigatoni is a flavorful dish combining tender steak and creamy pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter
- 8 oz rigatoni
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
- Remove steak and let it rest.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In the same skillet, add garlic butter and let it melt.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss with garlic butter.
- Stir in grated parmesan until melted and well combined.
- Slice the steak and serve it over the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Adjust steak cooking time for desired doneness.
- Use fresh garlic for better flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak, parmesan rigatoni, steak pasta
