Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni – Easy One-Pan Steak Pasta Dinner Recipe
Samantha
This garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni is a rich and satisfying one-pan dinner featuring tender seared steak, buttery garlic sauce, and a creamy cheese-coated rigatoni. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a comfort food favorite perfect for weeknights, post-workout meals, or cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Comfort Food, Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 610 kcal
For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips
- 1 lb steak tips sirloin or flat iron works best
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Cheesy Rigatoni
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground mustard optional but great for depth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Sear the SteakPat the steak tips dry and season generously. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high. Sear steak tips for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Step 2: Make the Garlic ButterIn the same pan, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Step 3: Boil the RigatoniMeanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining. Step 4: Build the Cheese SauceReduce heat to low. Add cream, garlic powder, mustard, and cheeses to the skillet. Stir until smooth and melty. Step 5: Combine It AllToss rigatoni into the cheese sauce. Add pasta water to loosen as needed. Fold in the seared steak tips and finish with fresh parsley.
Secret Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
1. Sear the steak tips hot and fast: To get that crave-worthy crust on your steak tips, make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the meat. A quick sear locks in juices and creates that irresistible golden edge without overcooking the inside.
2. Use room-temp steak for even cooking: Take your steak tips out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents a cold center while still allowing for that perfect outer sear.
3. Deglaze for extra flavor: Once the steak is seared, don’t wipe the pan—those browned bits (fond) are gold. Add a splash of broth, wine, or even a spoonful of pasta water to deglaze and incorporate all that savory goodness into your garlic butter sauce.
4. Don’t overcook the rigatoni: Cook your rigatoni just shy of al dente, since it will finish cooking in the cheesy sauce. This keeps the pasta from turning mushy and helps it soak up the garlic butter flavor.
5. Choose a good melting cheese blend: For ultra-creamy sauce, combine cheeses like white cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère. Skip pre-shredded bags—they have anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
6. Finish with fresh herbs for balance: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of freshness that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese.
7. Let the steak rest: After cooking, rest your steak tips for a few minutes before slicing or stirring back into the pasta. This ensures juicy bites every time.
8. Bonus protein twist: Want even more protein in your pasta bowl? Add in sautéed mushrooms or a spoonful of cottage cheese to the sauce—it blends in smooth and boosts the nutrition.Keyword creamy garlic steak and pasta, easy steak pasta dinner, garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni, high protein rigatoni recipe, one-pan steak and rigatoni, quick garlic butter steak meal, seared steak bites with pasta, skillet steak and cheesy noodles, steak tips pasta skillet, weeknight cheesy steak pasta
