If you’re searching for a dish that combines rich, savory flavors with comfort food vibes, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This recipe brings together tender, perfectly seared steak tips drenched in a garlic butter sauce alongside creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. The harmony of juicy beef, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cheese blend creates a truly memorable meal that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. It’s an ideal dish for dinner parties, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something special without too much fuss.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building aroma to texture, and the combination is delightfully simple but far from boring. Having all the basics ready means you can focus on creating that perfect balance of flavors and the creamy comfort that makes this dish shine.

Beef steak tips (1 pound): These tender cuts cook quickly and soak up the buttery garlic sauce wonderfully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the steak to a beautiful golden brown while adding subtle richness.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The star of the sauce, providing a silky, indulgent base for the garlic.
Garlic cloves, minced (4): Infuses the butter with robust, aromatic flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle herbal note that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning both the steak and the pasta, bringing out their natural flavors.
Rigatoni pasta (12 ounces): A sturdy, ridged pasta that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, rich base for the cheesy pasta sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts smoothly to give the rigatoni that “ooey-gooey” texture everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the cheese sauce’s complexity.
Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste): A fresh sprinkle at the end to add color and a burst of bright herbaceousness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni to Al Dente

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt here is key because it seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. Toss in the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente, around 10 to 12 minutes—this ensures a perfect bite that won’t get mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

While the pasta cooks, season your beef steak tips generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak tips and sear them undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This will develop a gorgeous caramelized crust locking in all those juicy flavors. Once cooked to your preference, remove the steak tips from the pan and set them aside to rest—this step keeps the meat tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt into a golden pool. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen—the telltale sign this sauce is about to transform your dish. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant and slightly softened, releasing all its sweet and savory notes.

Step 4: Toss Steak Tips in Garlic Butter

Return the steak tips to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, coating each piece evenly. This step ensures every bite is bursting with buttery, garlicky flavor. Once the steak tips are well-coated, remove the pan from the heat and let those flavors meld for a moment before moving on.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the heavy cream with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until smooth and creamy. Pour this luscious mixture over the cooked rigatoni and mix gently so each rigatoni is luxuriously coated in that cheesy, velvety sauce that makes comfort food truly irresistible.

Step 6: Plate and Combine

Now for the rewarding part: plate a generous serving of the cheesy rigatoni and crown it with the garlic butter steak tips. The mix of tender meat atop creamy noodles is irresistible and visually stunning. Don’t forget the finishing touch—sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish to brighten and elevate the flavors just a touch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple yet perfect garnish, bringing a pop of fresh green color and a mild herbal lift to balance the richness. For a bit of extra flair, you can add a few shavings of Parmesan or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

Since Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is richly satisfying, pairing it with light, crisp sides is ideal. Consider a crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for texture contrast and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make dinner a bit more special, serve the rigatoni in individual small cast iron skillets or on warm plates with steak tips perched artfully on top. You could also add a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce right before serving to keep things dripping with flavor and anticipation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To preserve the flavor and texture, keep the steak tips and cheesy pasta together, but add the parsley garnish fresh when you reheat.

Freezing

If you want to save this for longer, you can freeze the dish as well. Place the steak tips and rigatoni in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, try to leave some space to allow the sauce to expand as it freezes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using short intervals, stirring occasionally, so the creamy sauce doesn’t separate and the steak remains tender. Adding a splash of heavy cream or a little butter while reheating can help revive the sauce’s silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While steak tips are ideal for their tenderness and size, sirloin or ribeye strips work wonderfully as long as you adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The rigatoni pasta contains gluten, but you can easily swap it for gluten-free pasta varieties to make the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the pasta and steak tips in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, quickly make the garlic butter sauce and combine everything to keep it fresh and flavorful.

How do I get the steak perfectly cooked every time?

Pat the steak tips dry before seasoning, use high heat for searing, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking times will vary depending on thickness, so keep an eye and use a meat thermometer if unsure—medium-rare is about 135°F.

Can I use a different cheese blend in the rigatoni sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like fontina, gouda, or even sharp cheddar for a unique twist, but mozzarella and Parmesan provide the perfect melt and sharpness balance for this dish.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and straightforward enough to make any night special. It’s a dish worth keeping in your recipe rotation, especially when you want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, this rich, savory combo will become a fast favorite in your kitchen.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared steak tips coated in a savory garlic butter sauce, served over rich and creamy rigatoni pasta smothered in a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe combines hearty proteins with cheesy pasta for a satisfying meal perfect for dinner.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt. Once boiling, add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Season and Sear Steak Tips: While the pasta is cooking, season the steak tips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss Steak Tips in Sauce: Return the steak tips to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Remove from heat.
Make Cheesy Sauce for Pasta: In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture over the cooked rigatoni pasta, stirring to combine well.
Assemble the Dish: To serve, plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch and vibrant color.
Enjoy: Dig into your delicious and hearty Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni!

Notes

For best results, use steak tips that are uniformly cut to ensure even cooking.
Adjust the seasoning of the steak tips and pasta to suit your taste preferences.
You can substitute rigatoni with other tubular pasta shapes like penne or ziti.
To lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though this will affect creaminess.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Boiling
Cuisine: American