Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Have you ever craved a dish so intensely, you could practically taste it? Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is that dish for me. A symphony of savory steak, creamy cheese, and garlicky goodness—it’s pure comfort food heaven.

My first experience with this dish? Let’s just say, it involved a disastrous attempt at a romantic dinner (burned steak, anyone?), but the cheesy rigatoni salvaged the night, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe boasts several fantastic features:

It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, guaranteed to impress.

The presentation is visually stunning, a feast for the eyes.

Its versatility means you can easily adapt it to your preferences.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Steak Tips Choose your favorite cut of beef steak, about 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces. A leaner cut works well to avoid excess grease.

Rigatoni Pasta Use about 1 pound of your favorite brand of rigatoni. The ridges hold the cheese sauce beautifully.

Garlic Fresh garlic is best! Use about 6-8 cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic—it’s the heart of the dish.

Butter Use about 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You’ll want a good quality butter for the richest flavor.

Cheese A blend of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan is perfect. About 1.5 cups total should do the trick.

Heavy Cream About 1 cup of heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the cheese sauce.

Chicken Broth Use about 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth to help thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Olive Oil Use about 2 tablespoons of olive oil for searing the steak tips

Salt and Pepper To taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.

Italian Seasoning About 1 teaspoon adds extra flavor depth to the steak tips.

Agar-Agar Powder (optional) A tiny amount for thickening if needed, but the heavy cream should suffice.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Start by patting your steak tips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni

While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked rigatoni to the garlic butter sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Stir in the remaining cheese until melted and creamy. Add the seared steak tips to the pasta and gently toss to combine.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce seems too thin, you can add a pinch of agar-agar powder for thickening.

Step 6: Enjoy

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni immediately. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely garnish.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the steak tips to lock in their juices. Then, cook the rigatoni according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the garlic butter sauce. Finally, combine everything for a delicious Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap chicken or beef for the steak tips. Add different herbs or spices to the sauce. Consider incorporating sauteed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, avoiding overcooking.

Let’s get cooking! Here are three helpful tips to elevate your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak; this will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.

Use good quality cheese for the ultimate creamy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always a winner.

Let the steak tips rest for a few minutes after searing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

My first attempt at this recipe was a total disaster! The sauce was way too thin, and the steak was overcooked. However, I learned from my mistakes, and now I make this recipe all the time – it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is a winner for a reason! The tender, flavorful steak tips combined with the creamy, cheesy rigatoni make for a truly satisfying meal. Remember to marinate the steak for extra flavor, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or vegetable additions to customize the recipe to your liking. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to impress your friends and family (or just yourself, we don’t judge!). Enjoy!

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FAQs

Can I make this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The steak tips can be marinated overnight for even more flavor. Prepare the rigatoni according to package directions and store separately. Reheat both components just before serving, ensuring the steak tips are still juicy and the rigatoni stays creamy. You can even assemble the dish completely ahead of time and bake it gently until heated through, though I wouldn’t recommend doing that more than a few hours before serving to maintain optimal texture.

What can I substitute for the agar-agar in the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe?

If you don’t have agar-agar, you could try using cornstarch instead to thicken the cheese sauce. Cornstarch won’t give quite the same texture, but it’ll create a similar creamy consistency. Just be sure to make a slurry with cold water before whisking it into the sauce to avoid lumps. Other options include arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, but experiment to find your preferred consistency. Remember, each thickener has slightly different properties, so the final result might vary.

Are there any healthier alternatives for the cheese sauce in the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe?

Yes, you can easily lighten up the cheese sauce! Try using a combination of lower-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella and a bit of Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese to add creaminess without extra fat. You could also incorporate some vegetables like pureed cauliflower or butternut squash to add nutrients and reduce the cheese content without sacrificing flavor. Experiment to find a balance that suits your taste and health goals.

My Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni sauce is too thin, what should I do?

Don’t despair! A slightly thin sauce is easily fixed. Simmer the sauce gently for a few more minutes to reduce some of the liquid. If that’s not enough, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water. This will help to thicken the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a couple more minutes after adding the cornstarch mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If you’ve over-thinned your sauce, add a pinch of xanthan gum which is a very powerful thickening agent.