Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Cooking is often a canvas, and food becomes both the art and the experience. Making creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni transports me back to a special evening shared with friends, where comfort food met laughter around the dining table. Each bite of the tender steak and rich sauce reminds me of those moments filled with warmth.

Pasta dishes often hold a special place in my heart. The joy of twirling rigatoni, nicely coated in a luscious sauce, brings people together in ways few things can. The scent of garlic fills the air, igniting feelings of home and hospitality. And when flank steak joins in the mix, it transforms the dish into something extraordinary.

Creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni showcases the perfect balance of flavors and textures. That’s what makes this meal a favorite! The star ingredients meld beautifully, creating a stunning meal that elevates any weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Let’s dive into making this comforting dish that can tackle busy days yet impress guests on special occasions.

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Fundamentals

To create an unforgettable plate of creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni, understanding the fundamentals is key. Rigatoni pasta serves as the perfect base. Its ridges cradle sauce, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor. Flank steak, when sliced thin, can offer that satisfying depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the final taste experience. From the savory notes of garlic to the creamy texture of the sauce, every component enhances the others. Preparing this dish is not just about following steps but reveling in how these flavors come together to tell a story.

Preparation/setup

Preparation starts by boiling water for the rigatoni. While waiting for the water to come to a boil, season the flank steak with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is essential to bring out the meat’s natural flavors. Then, gather all your ingredients for an efficient cooking process. Having everything ready reduces stress and enhances the cooking experience.

After cooking the rigatoni to al dente perfection, you’ll want to drain it and set it aside. Ensure your skillet is hot and ready to receive the seasoned steak. Searing the steak locks in juices, creating that lovely crust that adds to the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this delicious recipe:

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

This simple list showcases how basic ingredients can transform into something extraordinary when combined thoughtfully.

Directions

1. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned steak to the skillet and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until it is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the unsalted butter.
6. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
8. Add the Italian seasoning and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
9. Return the cooked steak slices to the skillet, and toss to coat them thoroughly in the creamy garlic sauce.
10. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
11. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with the chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
12. Serve immediately, ensuring every portion includes ample steak and sauce.

Creamy Garlic Butter Flank Steak Rigatoni Techniques

Technique

Cooking techniques greatly influence the outcome of your dish. Pan-searing the flank steak enhances its flavor profile. The Maillard reaction creates a beautiful brown crust, which locks in juices. Maintain a high temperature initially, then adjust for more even cooking.

When it comes to the sauce, the order of adding ingredients is crucial. Start with butter, allowing it to melt and absorb flavors from the minced garlic. Adding cream directly afterward prevents the garlic from burning while creating a creamy base for the sauce.

Tips/tricks

• Allow the steak to rest after cooking. This ensures that the juices redistribute, resulting in tender meat.
• If you want a bit more depth, consider adding additional herbs like thyme or rosemary while sautéing the garlic.
• For extra creaminess, let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes before adding the steak back in.

Tweaking these small details can elevate your creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni to restaurant-level standards.

Perfecting Results

Perfecting results

Achieving a creamy texture within the sauce is a matter of balance. Ensure the sauté isn’t too hot when you add dairy products, as high temperatures can cause them to separate instead of blend.

Monitoring the sauce’s consistency is crucial during cooking. It should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or too runny. If it thickens up more than you like, you can always whisk in a bit more broth to reach the desired consistency.

Troubleshooting/variations

If the steak becomes tough, the cooking time might have been too long. Since flank steak is lean, watch it closely. For variations, try substituting grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter meal. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms or a mix of seasonal vegetables that can absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Experimenting with variations opens up new culinary possibilities while keeping the spirit of the dish intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serving/presentation

Presentation enhances the dining experience. Serve creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni in deep bowls—this way, everyone can enjoy every last drop of the creamy sauce.

You might garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or add a few more fresh parsley flakes. A drizzle of olive oil can be an enticing touch. The rich colors and textures will surely impress anyone at your table.

Pairings/storage

For side dishes, consider a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the pasta. Steamed vegetables or garlic bread also complement the flavors beautifully.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Crafting a plate of creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni allows for both creativity and connectivity at the dining table. Every ingredient plays its part, bringing you closer to heartfelt meals shared with loved ones. With this recipe, you can recreate that comforting experience in your home, surrounded by the warmth of great food and even better company. Each bite is a journey back to those cozy gatherings, reinforcing the beauty of home cooking.

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting dish featuring rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy garlic butter sauce with tender flank steak.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned steak to the skillet and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, and add the unsalted butter.
6. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine.
8. Add the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Return the cooked steak slices to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
10. Add the cooked rigatoni, tossing until well-coated.
11. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Allow the steak to rest after cooking for maximum juiciness. For extra creaminess, let the sauce simmer longer before adding the steak.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: steak, pasta, creamy sauce, garlic, rigatoni