Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Introduction

This recipe for The Ultimate Garlic Butter Steak & Cheesy Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Tender steak tips are seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, then served over creamy, cheesy rigatoni. It’s a decadent and satisfying meal that comes together surprisingly fast. For more garlic butter goodness, try this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe or these Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

This indulgent recipe combines juicy, pan-seared steak tips with a decadently creamy and cheesy pasta. Gather these ingredients to create a rich and satisfying comfort food masterpiece.

• 1 lb steak tips, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola (optional)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This streamlined recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Comfort Food at Its Best is about 25% faster than similar comfort food dishes, getting a hearty, restaurant-quality meal on your table in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather and measure all components: steak tips, rigatoni, garlic, butter, heavy cream, cheeses (Parmesan and mozzarella work well), and fresh herbs. This mise en place ensures a smooth cooking process for your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Comfort Food.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve at least one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 3 — Sear the Steak Tips

Pat the steak tips very dry with paper towels and season liberally with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until very hot. Add a high-smoke-point oil, then sear the steak tips in a single layer without moving them for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a deep brown crust. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Transfer to a plate.

Step 4 — Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add a generous amount of butter and minced garlic. Cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This forms the aromatic base of your dish.

Step 5 — Create the Cheesy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the garlic butter and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. For extra richness, stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6 — Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained al dente rigatoni directly to the cheesy sauce in the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until every piece is coated and the pasta has absorbed some of the sauce. This step is key for the ultimate creamy, cohesive comfort food.

Step 7 — Finish with Steak and Herbs

Return the seared steak tips and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the pasta. Gently fold everything together to warm the steak through. Finish with a final pat of butter and a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a bright, fresh contrast.

Step 8 — Serve Immediately

Divide the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni among warm plates or bowls. For the full comfort food experience, garnish with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. This dish is best enjoyed hot, right from the pan.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~780 kcal
Protein	~42 g
Carbohydrates	~68 g
Fat	~36 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~950 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Comfort Food at Its Best provides a hearty balance of protein and carbs.

Healthier Alternatives

This recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Comfort Food at Its Best is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap (Chicken or Mushrooms) — Use boneless chicken thighs or large portobello mushroom caps for a lighter or plant-based option. They absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Pasta — Swap regular rigatoni for chickpea, lentil, or edamame pasta to increase protein and fiber, or use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a veggie-based alternative.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Opt for a high-quality, meltable vegan cheese shred or a creamy cashew-based sauce to create that cheesy rigatoni texture without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use your favorite brand of gluten-free rigatoni. Many rice or corn blends hold up well and make this comfort food celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sodium Version — Use unsalted butter, reduce or omit added salt, and choose a low-sodium beef broth. The garlic, herbs, and cheese will still provide plenty of flavor.
• Lighter Cream Sauce — Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream in the cheese sauce for a slightly lighter, yet still rich and creamy, rigatoni.
• Leaner Cut of Beef — Choose sirloin steak tips or tenderloin pieces and trim visible fat for a leaner protein with all the savory garlic butter steak flavor.
• Boost Veggies — Stir fresh spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed bell peppers into the finished pasta to add color, nutrients, and extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Comfort Food at Its Best is a complete, hearty meal. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience, from perfect pairings to beautiful plating.

Perfect Pairings

• A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
• For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or sautéed broccolini add color and freshness.
• A crusty baguette or garlic bread is ideal for sopping up every last bit of the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Occasions & Atmosphere

This dish is perfect for a cozy date night at home, a comforting family Sunday supper, or when you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. Its hearty nature makes it a wonderful choice for cooler weather or any time you need a satisfying pick-me-up.

Plating for Presentation

• Use a wide, shallow bowl or pasta plate. Twirl a portion of the cheesy rigatoni with tongs for a neat base.
• Artfully arrange the garlic butter steak tips on top and around the pasta.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a final crack of black pepper for a pop of color and freshness.
• For a family-style presentation, serve the pasta in a large, warm bowl with the steak tips arranged on a platter alongside, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a cold pan to cook the steak tips. Fix: Always preheat your skillet or cast iron until it’s very hot to get a proper sear and lock in juices.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan with steak. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure each piece has space to brown, not steam, for perfect caramelization.
• Mistake: Slicing the steak tips immediately after cooking. Fix: Let the meat rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the pasta water. Fix: Salt the rigatoni water until it tastes like the sea; this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Mistake: Adding cheese to a sauce that’s too hot. Fix: Remove the cheesy sauce from direct heat before stirring in the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
• Mistake: Burning the garlic in the butter. Fix: Cook the garlic for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant; burnt garlic will turn the entire dish bitter.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese for the sauce. Fix: Always grate a block of cheese yourself; anti-caking agents in pre-shredded can prevent a smooth melt.
• Mistake: Not reserving pasta water before draining. Fix: Save at least a cup of the starchy water to help the sauce cling beautifully to the rigatoni.
• Mistake: Skipping the final garnish. Fix: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a bright contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta and steak.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also use the microwave, stirring occasionally. Reheat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For optimal quality, store the steak tips and pasta together, as the flavors meld beautifully. Avoid leaving this comfort food at room temperature for more than two hours.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is the ultimate comfort food at its best. We hope you love this hearty, satisfying meal as much as we do. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more delicious dinners, check out our Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe or Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Crispy Brussels Recipe.

Print

FAQs

What cut of steak is best for this recipe?

Sirloin tips or flap meat work perfectly for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Comfort Food at Its Best. These cuts are flavorful, tender when cooked quickly, and hold up well with the rich garlic butter sauce. Avoid very lean cuts like filet mignon, which can dry out.

Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cheesy rigatoni sauce ahead and cook the pasta al dente. Reheat the sauce gently, adding a splash of milk if needed, and toss with the pasta. Cook the garlic butter steak tips fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for rigatoni pasta?

Any short, sturdy pasta like penne, ziti, or fusilli is a great substitute. These shapes capture the creamy cheese sauce and pair wonderfully with the steak tips. The key is ensuring the pasta can stand up to the hearty components of this ultimate comfort food dish.