Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce 🥩🧀🍝
Bold Cajun spice meets velvety cheese sauce in a skillet of steak-filled pasta bliss.
This is one of those dishes that feels like a culinary love letter — seared Cajun-seasoned steak tips nestled in creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, wrapped around perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s luxurious, comforting, and full of kick — yet comes together in just about 40 minutes with everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re making a cozy date night dinner or treating yourself after a long day, this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is guaranteed to satisfy every creamy, cheesy, meaty craving.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Bold + creamy: Spicy Cajun steak meets smooth, cheesy sauce — flavor explosion.
One-skillet ease: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Flexible ingredients: Works with different cuts of steak or pasta.
Restaurant-level quality: But totally doable at home.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed skillet pasta:
For the Steak Tips
1.5 pounds (680g) sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
12 oz rigatoni pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil rigatoni according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak Tips
Pat the steak tips dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan), and sear until browned and cooked to your desired doneness — about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. If sauce gets too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Season with smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss in the cooked rigatoni and stir to coat evenly with the cheesy sauce. Add the steak tips back to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot — with crusty bread for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Cajun Steak Pasta
Don’t overcook the steak: Sear quickly on high heat to keep it juicy and tender.
Use good cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives deeper flavor.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Want extra veggies? Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
Variations to Try
Chicken instead of steak: Cajun chicken breast or thighs work great.
Creamier version: Use heavy cream instead of milk for ultra-rich sauce.
Low-carb option: Serve over roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
Not freezer-friendly due to the dairy-based sauce — best enjoyed fresh.
Final Bite
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is everything you want in a hearty pasta dish — bold, creamy, comforting, and downright craveable. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but is easy enough to throw together after work. One skillet, a few pantry staples, and you’ve got a dinner that hits all the right notes.
Get ready to impress yourself. And maybe a lucky dinner guest too. 🌶️🥩🧄🧀