If you’re searching for a meal that’s equal parts comfort and wow-factor, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Imagine buttery, garlicky steak mingling with luscious, cheese-laden noodles—every bite is the kind that leaves you swooning, fork in hand, wondering where this dish has been all your life. Perfect for a special weeknight splurge or a dinner party centerpiece, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly memorable. Gather your appetite and get ready to create a new favorite!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s almost magical how a handful of well-chosen ingredients come together to make something so deeply satisfying. Every element in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni has a job—whether it’s flavor, richness, creaminess, or that irresistible pop of color.

Strip Steaks: Go for two well-marbled strip steaks; they deliver bold flavor and cook up incredibly tender for perfect steak tips.
Olive Oil: Adds a savory base that helps achieve that mouthwatering sear on your steaks.
Butter: Rich, creamy butter infuses both your steak and sauce with indulgent flavor.
Minced Garlic: No holding back here—fresh garlic is a must for punchy, aromatic depth.
Chicken Broth: Just one cup brings savory body to the sauce and helps capture all those caramelized bits from the pan.
Heavy Cream: This is what transforms your sauce into something luxuriously silky and spoon-licking good.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Pass on the pre-shredded stuff—real Parmesan melts smoother and packs in more flavor.
Rigatoni Pasta: Big tubes (16 oz) are perfect for trapping all that decadent sauce and chunks of steak.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch wakes up all the flavors with a subtle, pleasant warmth.
Oregano: A sprinkle of dried or fresh oregano brings freshness and a hint of the Mediterranean.
Thyme: Earthy thyme lends its woodsy aroma, making the sauce utterly aromatic.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For sweet-tart pops of flavor and a splash of vibrant color woven throughout the pasta.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Get things started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rigatoni and cook just until al dente, usually about 10 minutes—this way it’ll hold up beautifully when tossed with sauce and steak later. Don’t forget to drain it well, and set it aside so it’s ready when you are.

Step 2: Sear the Steaks

Pat your strip steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper (or your favorite steak rub for an extra pop). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and sear each side for about 4–5 minutes, or until you reach your perfect doneness. Let the steaks rest—a few minutes is all it takes for mouthwatering juices to redistribute—then slice into satisfying bite-sized tips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Without even cleaning the skillet (hello, flavor!), reduce the heat to medium and toss in the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn, and let those sweet garlicky aromas fill your kitchen. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly and marry all those flavors.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Take the hot skillet off the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until you have a smooth, velvety sauce. Watch as it transforms before your eyes—this is where cheesy magic happens. Sprinkle in the sun-dried tomatoes, stirring to distribute their rich sweetness throughout your luscious sauce.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Return the sliced steak and drained rigatoni to the skillet, turning the heat to low just long enough to toss everything until evenly coated and heated through. Don’t be shy—make sure every piece of pasta and steak is bathed in that garlicky, cheesy sauce, speckled with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Now, that’s what Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is all about!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer everything to a large serving platter or individual bowls. If you want to impress (and who wouldn’t?), finish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley, an extra grating of Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and zing. Serve hot and dig in!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the whole dish, while a shower of extra Parmesan adds nutty richness. For a little more visual pop and mild heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is sheer perfection. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper for the finishing touch!

Side Dishes

Let Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni take center stage and keep your sides simple. A crisp green salad—think arugula, baby spinach, or mixed lettuces—tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides fresh contrast. A warm chunk of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get fancy, pile the pasta into a large, shallow platter with the steak tips artfully arranged on top. For a family-style feel, serve straight from the skillet. Or, add a little drama by portioning the pasta into individual ramekins, topping each with steak and a broiled Parmesan crust for a cheesy, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni will taste just as divine the next day. Cool the dish completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe holds up wonderfully, making it ideal for an indulgent lunch or easy dinner repeat.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with cream sauce are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of this recipe if needed. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual bowls in short bursts, stirring in between. For the ultimate finish, top with some fresh Parmesan and herbs before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While strip steak is prized for its flavor and tenderness, sirloin or ribeye also work wonderfully for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Just be sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Can I substitute another pasta shape?

Of course! While rigatoni is fantastic for soaking up sauce, you can use penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Just aim for a sturdy shape that holds up to creamy sauces and hearty steak.

What makes the sauce so creamy and rich?

It’s all about the combo of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. This duo creates a silky, deeply flavorful sauce that’s the absolute heart of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?

Not at all—but they do add a lovely sweet-tart bite and gorgeous color. If you’re not a fan, try sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a tasty twist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is entirely adaptable.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni finds its way into your regular rotation—this is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, each bite is a warm, cheesy hug that’s impossible to resist. Give it a try and watch everyone at the table fall in love!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

This recipe combines tender garlic butter steak tips with a creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta for a decadent and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, season the steaks, and sear until desired doneness (4-5 minutes per side). Let rest before slicing.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic for 30 seconds then add chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth; stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
Combine and Toss: Combine sliced steak and rigatoni with the sauce; toss to coat evenly and warm through.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian