Flavor Explosion in Every Bite!

Ever experienced a dish that feels like a breeze to whip up yet tastes like you slaved over it for hours? Welcome to your new favorite meal: Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni! This quick and creamy delight is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing unexpected guests. The combo of spicy steak tips and rich, cheesy pasta will have your taste buds singing.

Why Make This Recipe

You need Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni in your life for a few reasons. First off, it’s a one-pan wonder! Less cleanup means more time relaxing—who doesn’t want that? Plus, the hearty steak and creamy Parmesan make it comforting, filling, and appealing to even the pickiest eaters. Seriously, leftovers will become a myth!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

1 lb steak tips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
8 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned steak tips and cook until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Meanwhile, cook rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and add to the sauce.
Toss the rigatoni in the creamy sauce.
Add the cooked steak tips back into the skillet, mixing everything together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni (Overview)

Let’s break it down, shall we? Start by giving those steak tips a good spice-up with Cajun seasoning. While the skillet warms up, cook those tips until they’re beautifully browned to your liking. Set those juicy morsels aside to rest. Now, grab the heavy cream and some parmesan—bring it to a simmer for that luscious sauce. Cook your rigatoni, then toss it right into the creamy goodness. Finally, mix it all together and voilà, dinner is served! Pro tip: Don’t skip the parsley; it adds a lovely pop of color. 🌿

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Plate it up and watch as that creamy sauce glistens in the light! The contrast of the golden steak tips against the pale rigatoni makes for a feast for the eyes. Maybe sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for good measure. Pair it with a crusty garlic bread (seriously, you need that crunch) and a glass of your favorite wine for the ultimate cozy night in. Trust me, this dish smells divine too—you’ll be hooked!

How to Store Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Leftovers? You bet! Store your creamy goodness in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Feeling adventurous? Freeze it for a month, but know that the sauce may thicken. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if it’s looking a little dry. No one wants dried-up pasta, right? 😉

Tips to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Perfectly timed pasta: Add your rigatoni to the boiling water right after you start the sauce. It’ll be perfectly al dente when you’re ready to combine!
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Make it extra cheesy by adding more parmesan or even mozzarella for that gooey stretch.
Make it spicy: Feel free to up the Cajun seasoning if you like a kick! 🔥
Vegetable boost: Toss in a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and nutrition.
Swap it up: If you can’t find steak tips, use chicken or shrimp instead—they’ll work just as well!

Variation

Craving something a little different? Try subbing the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version! If you want to make it vegan, swap the steak with grilled mushrooms and use nut-based parmesan. Instant flavor upgrades!

FAQs

Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape will do. Just cook it as directed on the package.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It sure is! Just store in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to dive in.

Can I freeze Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni?
Yes, but keep in mind the sauce may thicken or separate slightly. Just warm gently and add more cream to the mix!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!