Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce. It’s a dish that brings together the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun cooking and the creamy comfort of cheesy pasta, creating a meal that’s nothing short of magical. I remember the first time I made this for my friends; they couldn’t get enough! The steak tips are perfectly seasoned and seared, while the rigatoni is coated in a luscious parmesan sauce that just clings to every noodle. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is surprisingly quick to whip up. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this has become a go-to in my kitchen!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this delicious dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, feel free to adjust based on your spice preference
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente for that perfect bite
- 1 cup heavy cream, which adds that rich creaminess to the sauce
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated for the best flavor
- 2 tbsp olive oil, to sear those steak tips beautifully
- 1 clove garlic, minced to infuse the dish with aromatic goodness
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is everything!
- Chopped parsley for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness
Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go—this dish comes together quickly, and you don’t want to be scrambling around in the middle of it!
How to Prepare Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Getting this dish to the table is simpler than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring that creamy, spicy goodness in no time. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, season those steak tips! Generously sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the meat, making sure every piece gets a good coating. It’s all about that flavor!
- Now, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so the steak gets a beautiful sear.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned steak tips to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Don’t skip this step—those caramelized bits add so much depth!
- After browning, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside. You’ll add them back later, so don’t worry!
- In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir it occasionally, letting it bubble away for a minute or two.
- Now, add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Oh, that creamy goodness!
- While the sauce simmers, cook your rigatoni according to the package instructions. You want it al dente so it holds up well in that luscious sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet along with the steak tips. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated in that cheesy sauce.
- Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final toss and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Rich, creamy parmesan sauce that clings to every bite of rigatoni
- Spicy Cajun steak tips bring a delightful kick to the dish
- Satisfying texture with tender steak and al dente pasta
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or veggies
- One-pot meal means less cleanup—win-win!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First, don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning—taste is key, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you like it extra spicy, toss in some red pepper flakes when you add the cream.
Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the steak tips; this helps achieve that beautiful caramelization we’re all after. And remember, don’t overcrowd the skillet—if you have too many steak tips in there at once, they’ll steam instead of sear.
Lastly, it’s all about timing! Keep an eye on your pasta; it should be perfectly al dente to hold up against that rich sauce. Following these tips will elevate your dish to restaurant-level deliciousness. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Enjoying a hearty meal like Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nutrition! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a satisfying dish that balances rich flavors and nutritional goodness!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about making Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I substitute the steak tips? Absolutely! You can use chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning? No worries! You can create your own mix using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’ll still pack a punch!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it seems too thick.
Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this dish and making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your Cajun steak tips in cheesy rigatoni parmesan sauce is super easy! Just let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it should last for about 2 months.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best texture. Just add the leftover pasta to a skillet over medium heat, and throw in a splash of cream or a bit of water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time—just like fresh off the stove!
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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Cajun steak tips served with rigatoni in a creamy parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak tips for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Remove steak and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions; drain.
- Add rigatoni and steak to the sauce, mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any cut of steak you prefer.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, parmesan sauce
