Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

There’s nothing quite like a hearty pasta dinner to bring people together. But this isn’t your typical pasta dish it’s an indulgent, flavor-packed bowl of Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. Think of it as comfort food with a spicy edge: juicy, seared steak bites tossed with al dente rigatoni, bathed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce kissed with Cajun spice.

This dish brings together bold Southern seasoning and classic Italian technique in one irresistible skillet meal. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights, date nights, or when you’re hosting and want to impress without spending all night in the kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, it’s a one-pan wonder you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and indulgent with steak and cheese
• Creamy Parmesan sauce with smoky Cajun heat
• Great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
• Cooks in under 40 minutes
• Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or pasta shapes

Ingredients Breakdown

Serves: 4

For the Steak Tips:

• 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 10 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional, for extra meltiness)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter (for sauce)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season and Sear the Steak Tips
Pat steak tips dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add steak in a single layer (in batches if necessary) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned but still juicy inside. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Make the Cajun Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mozzarella (if using), whisking until melted and smooth.
Add ½ tsp Cajun seasoning and adjust salt to taste. If sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen.

4. Combine and Finish
Add drained rigatoni and steak tips back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to bring the flavors together.
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.

5. Serve Hot
Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan, chopped parsley, or crushed red pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicier: Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne.
• Creamier twist: Add an extra ¼ cup heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
• Switch up the cheese: Try smoked gouda, provolone, or white cheddar for different flavor profiles.
• Use chicken or shrimp: Not a steak fan? Substitute with Cajun-seasoned chicken strips or shrimp.
• Vegetarian option: Use roasted mushrooms or charred cauliflower instead of steak.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture:
This dish is bold and creamy, with a rich, peppery warmth from Cajun spices. The rigatoni gives great bite, the steak is juicy and seared, and the sauce is silky and cheesy.

Drink Pairings:

• Bold reds like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sparkling water with lemon for a lighter counterbalance
• A chilled lager or amber ale pairs well with the spice

Perfect Sides:

• Garlic bread or crusty French baguette
• Caesar salad or simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Estimate
Calories	~620
Protein	~35g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~32g
Fiber	~2g

Dietary Notes:
Contains gluten and dairy. Easily adaptable to gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream alternatives.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Steak can be seasoned up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge.
• Cook pasta ahead: Rinse and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore sauciness.
• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Not ideal for freezing due to cream-based sauce.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin or ribeye are ideal. Flank steak or NY strip can also be used.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. You can thicken with a bit of flour or cornstarch slurry if needed.

Do I need to marinate the steak?
Not necessary Cajun seasoning and high-heat searing give great flavor fast.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or shells work well.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, though you may want to reduce the Cajun seasoning to keep it milder.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	10 minutes
Cook Pasta	10 minutes
Sear Steak	6–8 minutes
Make Sauce	5 minutes
Combine & Finish	5 minutes
Total Time	~35–40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow pasta bowls, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and cracked pepper
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for color and brightness
• Serve family-style in a large skillet or casserole dish for a comforting presentation

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Rigatoni: Swap steak for shrimp sautéed with Cajun spice
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Cajun Pasta: Use chicken breast and double the cream for a milder version
• Cajun Mac and Cheese Bake: Transfer to baking dish, top with more cheese and broil until bubbly

Ingredient Spotlight: Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is the soul of this dish. A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper, it offers a smoky heat and earthy flavor.

Tips for Best Flavor:

• Make your own blend for more control over spice level
• Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight jar
• Taste-test different brands for preferred balance of salt and spice

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear steak in batches for proper browning overcrowding the pan steams instead of sears
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth melt (pre-grated may clump)
• Save pasta water it’s key for adjusting sauce consistency
• Cook pasta just to al dente so it holds up in the sauce

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Not ideal due to the cream sauce, but the steak can be cooked and frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips:
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent sauce separation.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~620
Protein	~35g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~32g
Fiber	~2g

Dietary Notes:
High-protein, rich in dairy
Can be made gluten-free with pasta swap
Contains beef and dairy ingredients

Conclusion

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe is a flavorful fusion of Southern boldness and Italian indulgence. With creamy, cheesy pasta wrapped around perfectly seared Cajun-seasoned steak bites, it delivers on comfort, richness, and weeknight simplicity. The sauce clings to every ridged rigatoni, the steak brings a juicy, savory bite, and the Cajun heat keeps things exciting.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something hearty and homemade, this dish checks all the boxes. Serve it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or a cold drink, and you’ve got a guaranteed hit. It’s not just pasta it’s a full experience.

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