Description

This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared steak seasoned with Cajun spices, served alongside al dente rigatoni pasta smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The addition of fresh parsley and a hint of lemon juice adds brightness to the indulgent meal, perfect for a comforting dinner that combines bold spices and creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz rigatoni

Steak and Seasoning

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (about 1-inch thick)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Season Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to ensure a flavorful crust.
Sear Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When hot, sear the steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, transfer steak to a plate and let it rest to retain juices.
Prepare Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Make Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and allow it to simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese: Whisk in the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Slice and Combine Steak: Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Return the steak slices to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Add red pepper flakes if using, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this indulgent and flavorful meal.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Allow the steak to rest after cooking to ensure it remains juicy.
If you prefer a lower fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
Using fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce; don’t skip it.
Ensure the steak is at room temperature before searing for even cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun steak, creamy rigatoni, garlic butter steak, cheesy pasta, quick steak dinner, Cajun seasoning recipe