Some nights, all you want is a hearty, comforting dish that feels indulgent yet simple to make. As a home cook who loves bold flavors, I created these Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce after craving a restaurant-style steak pasta without the cost or complexity. The seared Cajun steak bites add smoky heat, while the creamy parmesan sauce hugs every piece of rigatoni. It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort, family-style cooking, and effortless weeknight flavor. Whether you love steak dinner ideas pasta or want a crowd-pleasing steak-and-pasta combo, this dish delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for quick steak dinner ideas.
- Bold Cajun Flavor – Smoky seasoning elevates the steak and sauce to gourmet levels.
- Creamy Parmesan Sauce – Rich, cheesy, and perfect for fans of steak bites Cajun parmesan mac and cheese.
- Comforting & Family Approved – Satisfying like a warm bowl of hobo soup ground beef or hearty goulash soup.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Stores beautifully and reheats creamy, not grainy.
- Easy to Customize – Keto swaps, extra veggies, or protein substitutes all work well.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips or sirloin, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup mozzarella (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Season steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned; remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add flour and whisk for 30 seconds to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking continuously.
- Add parmesan, mozzarella, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add rigatoni and steak tips back to the pan; toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve
- Serve in shallow bowls with extra parmesan on top.
- Pair with garlic bread, roasted broccoli, or Caesar salad.
- For a restaurant-style feel, drizzle a spoonful of sauce over the steak.
- Add a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for extra color and heat.
Additional Tips
- Use ribeye for ultra-tender steak bites.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Swap rigatoni for penne, shells, or gluten-free pasta.
- For keto: use cauliflower florets instead of pasta and reduce cream slightly.
- Add crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Sear steak in batches to avoid steaming.
Recipe Variations
1. Keto Cajun Steak Alfredo
Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Steak Rigatoni
Add sautéed shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
3. Cajun Mushroom Parmesan Rigatoni
Make vegetarian by substituting steak with mushrooms.
4. Creamy Cajun Steak Bites Mac and Cheese
Mix steak tips into stovetop mac for the ultimate comfort dish.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on stovetop with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
- Meal Prep: Makes excellent weekly lunches sauce stays creamy.
Special Equipment
Large Skillet
Pasta Pot
Wooden Spoon
Whisk
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip all work well.
2. Can I make this keto-friendly?
Yes, replace pasta with cauliflower or low-carb noodles.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can cook the steak in a slow cooker, but the sauce is best made on the stovetop.
4. What can I use instead of steak?
Chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms all pair perfectly with the Cajun Parmesan sauce.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Conclusion
These Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce bring together bold Cajun spice, creamy parmesan richness, and tender steak in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re exploring new steak pasta dinner ideas or simply craving comfort food, this recipe guarantees flavor, warmth, and pure weeknight joy.