The aroma of sizzling garlic butter fills the air as tender steak tips dance in the pan. This dish, featuring garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni, is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing. Imagine rich, buttery beef mixed with creamy pasta—it’s like a warm hug for your stomach.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of “Steak Sundays,” where we’d gather around the table to feast on whatever my dad decided to whip up. The smell of steak roasting was always irresistible. This recipe brings back those nostalgic Sunday dinners and is perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender steak tips cooked in garlic butter deliver incredible flavor without much fuss
- The creamy rigatoni complements the richness of the beef beautifully
- Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress!
Sharing this dish at family gatherings always leads to smiles and second helpings; everyone wants more!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Steak Tips: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for juicy and flavorful bites.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while enhancing the rich flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Use minced fresh garlic for robust flavor; avoid pre-minced versions if possible.
- Rigatoni Pasta: Opt for high-quality pasta; its ridges hold onto sauce beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess and richness to your cheesy sauce; don’t skimp on it!
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts perfectly and adds depth to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives an extra punch of flavor when sprinkled on top.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and color; feel free to use other herbs you enjoy!
- Salt and Pepper: Always season your dishes well for optimal flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta First: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Sear the Steak Tips: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with some oil. Add seasoned steak tips and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides.
Add Garlic Butter Magic: Once your steak tips are browned, lower the heat slightly and add unsalted butter along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes.
Create the Cheesy Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Toss It All Together!: Drain the cooked rigatoni, then add it straight into the skillet with steak tips. Pour in the cheesy sauce and mix everything together until well-coated.
Finish It Off With Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your delicious creation before serving. It adds color and freshness that’s hard to resist!
This simple yet flavorful dish will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite as you savor this hearty combination of flavors!
You Must Know
- Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni are a delightful combination that creates a comforting dish
- Ideal for weeknight dinners, this recipe brings together juicy steak and creamy pasta, tantalizing your taste buds with bold flavors and satisfying textures
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the steak tips first in garlic butter for a crispy exterior, then cook rigatoni while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything is ready simultaneously for a delicious meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rigatoni for any pasta shape you love, or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate the creaminess!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect garlic butter steak tips, let the meat rest before cooking to enhance tenderness
- Always use fresh garlic for maximum flavor impact
- Lastly, don’t skimp on cheese; it’s what makes the rigatoni truly cheesy and comforting!
Sharing this dish with friends at my last dinner party brought back memories of my grandma’s kitchen—her laughter mixing with delicious aromas always made everyone feel at home.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of steak in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken works well and can be seasoned similarly for great flavor.
What type of cheese is best for cheesy rigatoni?
Mozzarella or cheddar provides a wonderful melting quality that enhances the dish’s creaminess.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook everything ahead and reheat it just before serving for convenience.

Savor Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with tender garlic butter steak tips paired with creamy cheesy rigatoni. A delicious, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente; drain.
- 2. Sear the Steak: In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season and sear steak tips until golden brown.
- 3. Add Garlic Butter: Reduce heat, add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- 4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In another saucepan, combine heavy cream and shredded cheddar over medium heat until melted and smooth, stirring continuously.
- 5. Combine Everything: Add drained rigatoni to the skillet with steak tips, pour in the cheese sauce, and toss until well coated.
- 6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape or add vegetables like spinach for added nutrition.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup/240g
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg