Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve come to appreciate dinners that feel indulgent but are simple enough to make on a Tuesday night. This Cajun Steak Tips over Creamy Rigatoni recipe is one of those dishes. Juicy, spicy steak tips meet rich, garlicky cream sauce and tender rigatoni pasta, all cooked in one pan for maximum comfort and minimal effort.
A Bold, Cozy Pasta with Southern Flair
This dish blends Cajun warmth with Italian comfort. The steak tips are seared until golden and caramelized, then tossed into a creamy sauce infused with garlic, butter, and Cajun seasoning. The rigatoni soaks up every bit of that velvety, spicy sauce, each bite buttery, smoky, and deeply satisfying.
If you’ve enjoyed skillet-style meals like One-Pan Cajun Butter Steak Bites, this recipe takes those bold flavors one step further, with a pasta twist you’ll want again and again.
Ingredients
For the steak tips:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the creamy Cajun sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta (cooked and drained)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Cook the pasta.
Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sear the steak tips.
Pat steak pieces dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. - Make the creamy Cajun sauce.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in Cajun seasoning, cream, and beef broth. Simmer until thickened slightly, about 3–4 minutes. - Combine everything.
Add Parmesan cheese and cooked rigatoni. Stir until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Return steak tips to the skillet and toss gently to combine. - Serve.
Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning or Parmesan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan simplicity: Steak and sauce come together in the same skillet.
- Restaurant-style flavor: Creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying.
- Versatile comfort: Works for both family dinners and cozy date nights.
If you enjoy rich, hearty meals, try my Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Comforting Classic next.
Tips from Sam
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Add spinach or roasted peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Swap rigatoni for penne or fettuccine if preferred.
Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 42g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 34g
- Sugar: 3g
Cajun Steak Tips over Creamy Rigatoni: Bold, Buttery & Irresistibly Comforting
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Cajun Steak Tips over Creamy Rigatoni, juicy steak bites tossed in spicy Cajun cream sauce with garlic, butter, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 oz rigatoni pasta, cooked and drained
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Red pepper flakes or lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook rigatoni until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Season steak with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in skillet; sear steak 1–2 minutes per side. Remove.
4. Melt butter in skillet; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Add Cajun seasoning, cream, and broth; simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan and cooked rigatoni until creamy.
7. Return steak tips; toss gently to coat.
8. Top with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth texture.
Add roasted peppers or spinach for color.
Rigatoni can be swapped with penne or fettuccine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American Cajun