Description
A delightful recipe featuring tender steak tips coated in Cajun seasoning, served over creamy rigatoni pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin or beef tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Pat the steak tips dry and toss them with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned but still pink in the center. Remove from skillet and tent with foil.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Fold in rigatoni and seared steak tips, cooking together for 2-3 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also switch proteins for chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Steak Tips, Rigatoni, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Pasta
