Hey there! Imagine sinking your teeth into tender Cajun steak tips, perfectly seasoned with a zesty kick, all nestled in a creamy, cheesy rigatoni that’s just begging to be devoured. The rich aroma of garlic wafts through the air as you sauté the steak in buttery goodness, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Each bite is a delightful dance of spice and creaminess, with gooey mozzarella melting into every nook of the pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this delicious masterpiece!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the bold Cajun flavors!
- This one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
- Cheesy rigatoni makes everything better—seriously!
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Cajun |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy |
Ingredients
Get ready to impress with these delicious Cajun Steak Tips paired with cheesy rigatoni!
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips – cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp butter – for sautéing
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning – adds a spicy kick
- 1 tsp garlic powder – enhances flavor
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta – hearty pasta choice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for creaminess
How to Make Cajun Steak
Get ready for a delicious adventure with Cajun Steak Tips and cheesy rigatoni!
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by seasoning the steak tips with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Make sure they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear them for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the steak is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the steak. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and steak mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni and enjoy this epic masterpiece!
Pro Tips for Making Cajun Steak
- Let the steak tips marinate for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Cook the rigatoni al dente for the perfect texture.
- Stir the cheese in gradually for a creamy sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for a vibrant finish.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Top with extra mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this dish ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water.
- Stir until heated through for best texture.
Cajun Steak Tips
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet For searing the steak.
- 1 Pot For boiling the pasta.
Ingredients
Steak Ingredients
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak tips Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 tbsp butter For sautéing.
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning Adds a spicy kick.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Enhances flavor.
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta Hearty pasta choice.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Start by seasoning the steak tips with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Make sure they are evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear them for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- While the steak is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the steak. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and steak mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Plate your Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni and enjoy this epic masterpiece!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types may require varying boiling times.
2. What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can create a quick substitute by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. This will give you a similar flavor profile to enhance your steak tips.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat to your Cajun Steak Tips, consider increasing the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick!
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the steak tips and the cheesy rigatoni sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the steak tips in a skillet and combine them with the pasta for a quick and delicious meal!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of Cajun Steak Tips in a creamy rigatoni dish that’s sure to impress! This recipe is not just simple; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. So gather your loved ones, whip up this masterpiece, and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite together. Happy cooking!
