Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

The rich, savory garlic butter that coats the steak tips is nothing short of magical. As it sizzles in the pan, it releases a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen, making it impossible not to get excited for that first bite. Each steak tip is perfectly seared, crispy on the outside but tender and juicy inside. The garlic butter adds a depth of flavor that’s both creamy and slightly tangy, with the subtle heat of garlic tying everything together in harmony. You can almost taste the care that goes into every bite—just a few simple ingredients coming together to elevate the whole dish.

And then there’s the cheesy rigatoni. The pasta is so satisfying, each piece capturing the melted cheese and garlic butter, making every forkful a perfect balance of textures. The slight crunch of the garlic bits clinging to the pasta adds that little bit of extra flavor, a bit of crunch to complement the smoothness of the cheese. When you mix it all together, steak and pasta, the two flavors meld in such a way that you’ll find yourself wondering how you ever ate dinner without this combination. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner when you just want to indulge a little.

I remember the first time I made this—my kitchen smelled like a steakhouse and my family devoured it faster than I could take pictures. The cheesy rigatoni is the perfect side to those juicy steak tips, making the whole meal feel like an irresistible, comforting hug. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve really treated yourself, even if you made it in just 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

When you look at the ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, you’ll see that each one plays an important role in building the delicious, mouthwatering flavors. From the juicy steak tips to the creamy, cheesy pasta, these ingredients come together to create something truly special. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• Steak Tips: The star of the show! These tender, bite-sized pieces of steak are packed with rich flavor and sear beautifully in the pan, making them the perfect partner to the garlic butter sauce.
• Butter: The base for the garlic butter sauce, butter adds richness and smoothness, helping to create that irresistible, velvety texture that coats both the steak and the pasta.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings that signature savory punch, infusing the butter with its bold, aromatic flavor. It’s what gives the dish its depth and that unmistakable aroma as it hits the pan.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is all you need to enhance and balance the flavors, helping to bring out the natural goodness of the steak and pasta.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little warmth and bite to the dish, perfectly complementing the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These bring just the right touch of heat to the dish, adding a slight kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy elements.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the steak tips, olive oil adds a hint of earthiness while ensuring the meat gets a nice, crispy sear without sticking to the pan.
• Rigatoni Pasta: This large, ridged pasta is perfect for capturing all the cheesy, garlicky goodness of the sauce, creating a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with the steak.
• Heavy Cream: The creaminess of heavy cream adds a luscious texture to the sauce, turning the garlic butter into something extra indulgent that coats every forkful of pasta.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melting beautifully into the sauce, mozzarella adds a gooey, cheesy richness that makes every bite feel like a cozy, comforting indulgence.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: This sharp, nutty cheese brings a depth of flavor and a slightly salty finish to the dish, balancing out the richness of the mozzarella and butter.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, brightening up the dish and giving it that final touch of herbaceous flavor that lifts the entire meal.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

1. Pair with a Simple Side Salad: Since this dish is rich and indulgent, balance it out with a light, refreshing side salad. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette will add the perfect contrast. The freshness of the greens will cleanse your palate between bites of that creamy, garlicky goodness.

2. A Glass of Red Wine: If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence (because let’s be real, who wouldn’t be with a dish this decadent?), a glass of red wine will elevate the entire meal. A smooth Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Merlot pairs wonderfully with the savory steak and creamy pasta. The wine’s tannins cut through the richness, making every bite feel even more satisfying.

3. Crusty Bread for Dipping: You won’t want to waste a drop of that luscious garlic butter sauce, so why not serve it with a warm, crusty loaf of bread? Tear off a piece and dip it right into the skillet. It’s the kind of simple joy that makes the meal feel even more cozy, comforting, and complete.

These little touches will turn a delicious meal into a special, memorable experience. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every moment!

How to Store Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always happen with this dish), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that rich, garlicky goodness intact. First things first, let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This will help prevent any condensation from forming inside the container, which could make your pasta soggy.

To store in the fridge, simply place the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni in an airtight container. This will keep the flavors fresh for about 2-3 days, though I recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later to really savor the best of the dish. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick toss in a skillet with a little extra butter or cream will bring it back to life—just make sure to heat it gently so the steak stays tender.

If you find yourself with more leftovers than you can finish within a few days, you can also freeze the dish. Just pack it into an airtight freezer-safe container, and it’ll last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the skillet or oven, adding a splash of cream or butter to revive that creamy texture. Don’t be surprised if the flavors taste even better after a day or two—this dish has a way of getting even more delicious with time!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness, all wrapped up in a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress at a special gathering, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction every time.

I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do! If you try it out, I’d love to hear your thoughts—any tweaks, substitutions, or maybe even a special story you want to share? Drop a comment or ask away if you have any questions, or if you need a little help getting everything just right. This recipe is one of those that, once you’ve made it once, you’ll want to come back to again and again. So happy cooking, and I hope your kitchen smells as heavenly as mine does when I make this!

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 650

Description

Tender steak tips infused with garlic butter, paired perfectly with creamy cheesy rigatoni. A harmonious blend of savory flavors that will have your taste buds singing with each bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound steak tips

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 8 ounces rigatoni pasta

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and allow it to heat up.
3. Season the steak tips with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Once the oil is hot, place the steak tips in the skillet in a single layer.
5. Cook the steak tips for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
6. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
7. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
8. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and softened.
9. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream.
10. Stir the cream into the garlic and butter mixture, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer.
11. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
12. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until fully incorporated into the sauce.
13. Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces of rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
14. Drain the rigatoni pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
15. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce.
16. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly.
17. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
18. Cut the cooked steak tips into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet with the pasta.
19. Gently stir to combine the steak and pasta with the sauce, making sure everything is well-coated.
20. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and steak mixture for garnish.
21. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring every bite has a balance of steak, pasta, and creamy sauce.

Note

• Rest the whiteicier a non-stick skillet to avoid, the amount of crushed red from sticking or burningTo prevent the sauce richer flavor, try boiling the heavy cream smoked paprika or garlic powder to thekeep it at aFor extra texture, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the garlic.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak Tips, Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe, Easy Steak Dinner, Creamy Pasta Dish, Homemade Garlic Butter