If you’re craving a comforting, crave-worthy meal that combines juicy, tender beef with a luscious, cheesy pasta, you have to try Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This dish marries the rich flavors of garlic butter glazed steak tips with creamy rigatoni smothered in gooey cheese, delivering satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing dinner guests, it’s a recipe destined to be a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold flavors: The garlic butter coats each steak tip to create an irresistible savory punch.
Creamy comfort: Cheesy rigatoni provides a smooth, velvety contrast to the robust steak.
Quick to prepare: The recipe comes together swiftly, ideal for busy evenings without sacrificing taste.
Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love this flavorful and hearty meal.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different cheeses and herbs to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni plays a crucial role, blending together to create a dish full of texture, color, and mouthwatering flavor. From the tender beef to the creamy cheeses, every item is essential for the perfect balance.

Steak tips: Choose well-marbled sirloin or filet mignon tips for tenderness and rich flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a fragrant and savory depth to the butter sauce.
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a creamy base that elevates the steak’s richness.
Rigatoni pasta: The tube shape holds sauce beautifully, delivering creamy bites every time.
Cheese blend: Use a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and sharp cheddar for gooey texture and sharp, nutty notes.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious sauce that clings to every rigatoni piece.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes enhance the overall flavor profile.

Variations for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to tailor to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some creative ways to switch things up or customize the dish to your liking.

Swap the steak: Use chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a lighter twist that still works beautifully with garlic butter.
Dairy-free version: Substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for heat enthusiasts.
Fresh veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Different pasta shapes: Penne, macaroni, or cavatappi can replace rigatoni without losing that creamy, cheesy bite.

Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Prepare the rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.

Step 2: Cook the steak tips

Pat steak tips dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add steak tips and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or cook longer to your preference. Remove steak and let rest.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter if needed and gently sauté additional garlic for richness. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly. Lower heat and add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and melted completely.

Step 4: Combine pasta and steak

Toss cooked rigatoni into the creamy cheese sauce to coat thoroughly. Slice steak tips into bite-sized pieces and add them back into the skillet. Mix gently to combine all flavors.

Step 5: Finish and garnish

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Choose quality beef: Higher-grade steak tips make all the difference in tenderness and flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook steak tips in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear, avoiding steaming.
Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and creates a smoother sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
Reserve pasta water: Adding a splash can help loosen the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
Let the steak rest: Resting ensures the juices redistribute, keeping steak tender and juicy.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan add a bright, savory touch that instantly elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

A crunchy green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread work wonderfully alongside this rich, hearty meal to add balance and variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, plate the rigatoni in a shallow bowl topped with steak tips and a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce. Serve with a lemon wedge for a fresh zing if desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if wrapped properly in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that pasta texture may soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess, or microwave in short bursts stirring between intervals for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips are ideal, tender cuts like ribeye or flank steak can also be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. The dish holds up well in the fridge and can be quickly reheated for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I substitute the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta?

Definitely! Gluten-free rigatoni or other shapes work well to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from breaking?

Use moderate heat when adding cheese and stir continuously. Avoid boiling the sauce to keep it silky smooth.

What sides pair best with this dish?

Light sides like steamed veggies, a green salad, or simple roasted potatoes complement the richness perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is an indulgent, cozy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this mouthwatering combination of tender steak and creamy pasta is sure to delight. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for comfort food magic!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender, juicy steak tips glazed in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This meal combines bold savory flavors with smooth, velvety textures, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests with an easy-to-prepare yet flavorful dinner.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta used)

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Garlic Butter

1 lb well-marbled sirloin or filet mignon steak tips
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheesy Rigatoni

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Garnish and Seasoning

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
Cook the steak tips: Pat the steak tips dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the steak tips and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired doneness. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and let them rest.
Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté additional garlic until fragrant for extra richness. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and cook until it thickens slightly. Reduce heat and gradually add shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted.
Combine pasta and steak: Toss the cooked rigatoni into the creamy cheese sauce until thoroughly coated. Slice the rested steak tips into bite-sized pieces and add back to the skillet. Gently mix everything together to combine flavors evenly.
Finish and garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.

Notes

Choose quality beef such as well-marbled sirloin or filet mignon for best tenderness and flavor.
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak tips; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, better-melting sauce.
Reserve pasta water to loosen the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
Allow steak to rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: garlic butter steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, creamy pasta, steak dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal