Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that combines the juicy, charred perfection of steak with the soul-soothing comfort of cheesy pasta, this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is about to make your culinary dreams come true. Imagine tender ribeye steaks seasoned with bold Cajun spices, seared to golden perfection, and finished with a decadent garlic butter sauce. Now, picture that steak paired with creamy rigatoni coated in a luscious Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate fusion of steakhouse luxury and Italian comfort food delivered straight to your kitchen table.

This recipe is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something indulgent and unforgettable. Unlike standard pasta recipes, this dish layers flavors at every step from the Cajun seasoning rub to the garlic butter finish to the velvety cream sauce. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a plate.

Whether you’re a steak lover, a pasta enthusiast, or someone who just appreciates a hearty, flavorful meal, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Steakhouse Meets Pasta Night – Combines juicy Cajun-spiced ribeye with creamy, cheesy rigatoni.
• Bold Cajun Flavors – Smoky, spicy, and savory seasoning that perfectly complements steak and cheese.
• Comfort Food Elevated – A restaurant-worthy dish that still feels cozy and satisfying.
• One-Pan + One-Pot Cooking – Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor.
• Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the Cajun spice and red pepper flakes to make it mild or fiery.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – Impress your guests without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this indulgent recipe. Serves 4.

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye steaks – Well-marbled for tenderness and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – A bold mix of paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, and herbs.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Builds the aromatic garlic butter base.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Rich, creamy, and perfect for basting.

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta – Rigatoni’s ridges hold onto creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Provides the luxurious sauce base.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty and salty, melts smoothly into the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey texture and mild creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – For subtle heat (optional, adjust to taste).
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – Bright, fresh garnish.

Pantry Staples:

• Olive oil, salt, black pepper (for searing steak and seasoning pasta water).

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan (for steak)
• Medium saucepan or sauté pan (for cream sauce)
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Tongs (for flipping steak)
• Sharp knife & cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Whisk
• Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 12 ounces rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente (about 10 minutes, check package directions).
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni. Set aside.

2. Season the Steak

1. Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels.
2. Rub both sides generously with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow seasoning to penetrate.

3. Cook the Steak

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Place steaks in the hot pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for preferred doneness).
3. During the last minute, add 4 tablespoons butter and 4 cloves minced garlic to the pan.
4. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks to baste.
5. Remove steaks from the skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes.

4. Make the Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
2. Add 1–2 cloves garlic (optional extra) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Slowly whisk in 1 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and stir until creamy.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.

5. Combine Pasta & Sauce

1. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the creamy sauce until fully coated.
2. Simmer for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs flavor.

6. Slice & Assemble

1. Slice the rested Cajun garlic butter steak against the grain into strips.
2. Plate the creamy rigatoni in bowls or on a platter.
3. Top with steak slices.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Tips & Variations

• Heat Levels – Use extra red pepper flakes or cayenne in Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick. Omit for a milder dish.
• Steak Swap – Substitute ribeye with flank, sirloin, or even chicken breast.
• Cheese Options – Try Asiago, Fontina, or Romano for a twist.
• Vegetable Boost – Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the pasta.
• Low-Carb Version – Serve steak over zucchini noodles instead of rigatoni.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Texture: Juicy, tender steak paired with creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Taste: Bold Cajun spice balanced by rich dairy and nutty Parmesan.
• Wine Pairing: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
• Non-Alcoholic Pairing: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea.
• Side Dishes: Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad.

Nutritional Overview (Approx. per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 820
• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fat: 45g
• Fiber: 3g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook pasta ahead, toss lightly with oil, and store refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Steak can be seasoned and refrigerated up to 8 hours before cooking.
• Leftovers: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta gently with a splash of cream or broth.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this without Cajun seasoning?
Yes, substitute Italian herbs or simple salt, pepper, and paprika.

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding extra Parmesan.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Add cheese gradually and whisk continuously over low heat.

Q: Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Grill over high heat for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	10 min
Cook pasta	10 min
Cook steak	10 min
Make sauce	10 min
Assembly	5 min
Total Time	45 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow pasta bowls with steak fanned on top.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley and Parmesan for garnish.
• Add a drizzle of garlic butter from the steak pan over the final dish.

Recipe Variations

1. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Rigatoni – Swap steak for shrimp.
2. Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Use chicken breasts instead of steak.
3. Vegetarian Cajun Alfredo – Replace steak with roasted mushrooms and bell peppers.
4. Four-Cheese Cajun Rigatoni – Blend in Asiago, Fontina, and Romano.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ribeye Steak – Known for marbling and tenderness. Choose cuts with good fat distribution.

Cajun Seasoning – A Southern spice blend. You can buy pre-made or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always rest steak before slicing to keep juices locked in.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Salt pasta water generously—it seasons the pasta from the inside out.
• For extra creamy sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water before serving.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for cream-based sauces (they may separate).
• Reheating: Warm pasta gently in a skillet with extra cream. Reheat steak separately to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition Table (Per Serving, Estimated)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	820
Protein	45g
Carbs	55g
Fat	45g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: Nut-free. Contains gluten and dairy.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is more than just a recipe it’s an experience. With juicy Cajun-spiced ribeye, decadent garlic butter, and a luxuriously creamy pasta, it delivers bold flavors and indulgent comfort in every bite. Perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.

If you try this recipe, be sure to share your delicious results and come back for more comforting, flavor-packed meals. Because life’s too short for boring dinners let’s make them unforgettable!

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