why make this recipe
This dish pairs spicy steak with a rich cheese pasta. It cooks fast and fills the table. It uses common ingredients and feels special. For a simple dessert after the meal, try a banana pudding with Biscoff cookies by following this easy recipe: banana pudding with Biscoff cookies.
introduction
Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is bold and creamy. The Cajun spice gives the steak a kick. The Parmesan cream sauce coats the rigatoni and makes the dish smooth. This recipe works for weeknights or a casual dinner with friends.
how to make Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Start by cooking the pasta and browning the steak. Use the skillet juices to make the sauce. Stir the cheese into the cream until it melts. Toss the pasta and steak in the sauce to combine. If you want a sweet finish, you can pair this meal with a simple banana pudding using this banana pudding with Biscoff cookies idea: banana pudding with Biscoff cookies.
Ingredients :
1 pound steak tips, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Salt and pepper to taste, Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside., 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and season with Cajun seasoning, cooking until browned and cooked to your liking., 3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside., 4. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste., 5. Add the cooked rigatoni and steak back into the skillet, tossing to combine., 6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
how to serve Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Serve hot on large plates or a pasta bowl. Spoon extra sauce over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley for color. Offer a green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. A light dessert works well after this rich main, like the banana pudding with Biscoff cookies recipe I like to use: banana pudding with Biscoff cookies.
how to store Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Cool the leftovers to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
tips to make Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Use good Parmesan for the best flavor. Do not boil the cream; just simmer until it thickens. Brown the steak well to get a good crust. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water or milk. For an easy dessert idea to serve later, see the banana pudding with Biscoff cookies for a no-bake sweet treat: banana pudding with Biscoff cookies.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken or shrimp instead of steak tips.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
- Swap rigatoni for penne or fettuccine.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Use sirloin or strip steak cut into bite-size pieces. Cook time may change.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce a short time ahead and reheat gently. Do not boil when reheating.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The heat comes from the Cajun seasoning. Use less seasoning if you want mild flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Cream sauces do not freeze well. You can freeze the cooked steak separately, but the sauce may change texture after freezing.
Q: Do I need to salt the pasta water?
A: Yes. Salted water gives the pasta good base flavor.
Conclusion
This recipe brings bold Cajun steak to a creamy Parmesan rigatoni for a simple, satisfying meal. For a similar idea and more step photos, see the detailed version at Cajun Steak Tips In Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce – Cooked. You can also find another clear step-by-step guide at Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. For a bold take on this dish with different tips, read the recipe notes at Bold Cajun Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni and Parmesan Sauce – My Homemade Recipe.
Cajun Steak Tips with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips Use a tender cut for best results.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust based on spice preference.
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta Can substitute with penne or fettuccine.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the steak.
- 2 cups heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for lighter sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use high-quality Parmesan for best flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning.
- Chopped parsley for garnish Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Steak
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and season with Cajun seasoning, cooking until browned and cooked to your liking.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Making Sauce
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked rigatoni and steak back into the skillet, tossing to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
