If you’re ready for a seriously irresistible dinner, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is your ticket to a decadent meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. Imagine tender steak bites bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with silky rigatoni noodles and a Parmesan cream that clings to every bite. With each forkful, you get pops of sun-dried tomato, a whisper of herbs, and the kind of comforting flavors that make you want to linger at the table. This dish is everything you love about steak night and your favorite pasta recipe, combined into one unforgettable experience.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about using simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that really let the flavors shine. You’ll find each component has a purpose — from juicy steak tips to the creamy, cheesy rigatoni — making this dish both surprisingly effortless and undeniably special.

Strip Steaks: Go for high-quality steaks for maximum flavor and tenderness in your steak tips.
Olive Oil: For searing the steaks and bringing everything together with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Butter: The backbone of that signature garlic butter sauce — don’t skimp!
Minced Garlic: Real minced garlic makes the sauce pop with delicious, aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
Heavy Cream: Brings luscious, velvety texture to the cheesy sauce.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: The king of cheesy flavor, freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Rigatoni Pasta: The perfect shape for catching all that dreamy sauce; be sure to cook it just until al dente.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch awakens the palate and adds a little kick (use more if you like heat!).
Oregano: Dried or fresh, this brings a classic Italian aroma to the dish.
Thyme: Earthy and herbal, it’s fantastic with both steak and creamy sauces.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Packed with umami and chewy pops of brightness in every bite.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, which usually means pulling it about a minute shy of the package instructions. That bit of bite in the pasta is key for resisting the creamy sauce we’re about to make. Once done, drain and set aside, but save a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen up your sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, season the strip steaks liberally with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs. Once the oil shimmers, add the steaks and don’t touch them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side — that’s how you get that beautiful golden crust. Cook to your preferred doneness, then move the steaks to a plate to rest; this ensures all those glorious juices stay in the meat.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those steak drippings are flavor gold), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to incorporate all the browned bits. Let the sauce bubble gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly and meld those flavors.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Turn down the heat to low and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until your sauce is completely smooth and glossy. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, some oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The sauce should be creamy, cheesy, and just begging for pasta.

Step 5: Combine Steak, Pasta, and Sauce

Slice the rested steaks into generous bite-sized pieces (steak tips!). Add both the rigatoni and steak tips into the skillet, tossing everything gently to coat in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Let it all warm through for a couple of minutes, so the flavors can truly come together and the steak tips soak up some of that irresistible sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni with a cascade of fresh chopped parsley and a heroic dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. For a pop of color and flavor, a few more sun-dried tomatoes on top never hurt! This little touch instantly elevates the plate from weeknight comfort to dinner party impressive.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with bright and crisp sides. Think a zesty arugula salad, a plate of oven-roasted asparagus, or even simple garlic bread to swipe up any leftover sauce. Fresh, lemony veggies help balance out the luxuriousness of the cheesy rigatoni and buttery steak tips.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, portion the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in individual shallow bowls and sprinkle each with a pinch of red pepper flakes for visual flair. Or, serve family-style in a big platter so everyone can dig in together. For a little twist, you can even bake the assembled pasta with steak under a broiler until the top turns golden and bubbly — it makes for a fun, melty variation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay delicious for up to three days without losing its creamy texture or savory kick.

Freezing

While cream sauces can sometimes separate in the freezer, this dish actually holds up decently well. Freeze the cooled steak pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to one month. For best results, thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating and add a splash of cream when warming to restore that lovely silkiness.

Reheating

To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of chicken broth, cream, or water. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the sauce loosens and the dish is heated through. Stir frequently to prevent the cheesy sauce from sticking or breaking, and your leftovers will taste nearly as dreamy as on day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While strip steak offers tenderness and robust flavor, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon for your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times based on thickness and preferred doneness.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Add more red pepper flakes to both the sauce and as a final garnish for some real heat. You could also sauté chili peppers with the garlic for a bolder kick, customizing your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni to match your spice-loving taste buds.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

If you’d like a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a bit less Parmesan. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, just a tad less rich, letting all the other awesome flavors shine through.

What pasta shapes work well if I don’t have rigatoni?

No rigatoni? No problem. Penne, ziti, or even rotini are great swaps—just make sure you pick a pasta with enough nooks and crannies to grab onto all that garlic butter and cheesy sauce goodness.

Can I prep components in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely. Cook the steak and pasta ahead of time, keeping them separate and refrigerated. When guests arrive, make the sauce fresh and toss everything together. This way, your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni will taste freshly made but not keep you in the kitchen all night.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni brings together cozy comfort, pure satisfaction, and a touch of luxury — all in one bowl. If you’re craving rich flavors and a plate that’ll wow everyone at the table, don’t wait another night to bring this recipe into your kitchen!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and savory Garlic Butter Steak Tips paired with Cheesy Rigatoni for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Boil rigatoni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Sear the Steak: Season and sear steaks in olive oil until desired doneness, then let rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add broth and cream, simmer, then whisk in Parmesan.
Combine and Serve: Toss sliced steak and rigatoni with sauce, warm through, and serve garnished with parsley and Parmesan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-searing, Simmering, Tossing
Cuisine: Italian-American