Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

The beauty of this dish lies not only in the rich, savory flavors but also in how all the elements come together so perfectly. As you take that first bite, you’ll be greeted by the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the steak tips, kissed by the garlic butter, which coats each piece in a warm, aromatic hug. The subtle hints of garlic and herbs linger just enough to enhance the flavor of the meat, while the creamy, cheesy rigatoni provides the perfect contrast—smooth, comforting, and slightly tangy with the cheese pulling everything together. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with that cozy, mouthwatering scent, making everyone in the house gather around, eager to dig in.

The beauty of cooking this meal lies in how customizable it can be. Want a little extra richness? Toss in some freshly grated parmesan to the pasta for an extra cheesy kick. Or if you’re craving a bit more freshness, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving adds a burst of color and a nice herbal lift. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, offering something a little different with each bite. The steak tips and rigatoni blend so effortlessly, creating a dish that feels special enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. And, trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this one time and time again, because it’s just that good.

Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

To make this dish truly shine, it all starts with a handful of key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that come together effortlessly. From the tender steak tips to the creamy, cheesy pasta, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this indulgent meal:

• Steak Tips: The star of the show! Tender, juicy, and perfectly seared, these bite-sized pieces of beef add a rich, meaty depth to the dish. They soak up all the buttery goodness and the aromatic herbs for that perfect savory punch.
• Butter: A must for creating that silky, luscious garlic butter sauce that wraps around the steak tips. It brings out the savory flavors of the beef and makes everything feel rich and comforting.
• Garlic: Minced and sautéed to golden perfection, garlic infuses the butter with its fragrant, slightly sweet aroma, setting the stage for the deliciousness to come.
• Fresh Thyme: A delicate herb that adds a fresh, earthy note to the dish. It complements the beef and garlic perfectly, enhancing the overall depth of flavor without overpowering.
• Fresh Rosemary: With its piney, slightly woody fragrance, rosemary gives a bold, aromatic lift to the sauce. Just a little goes a long way in bringing out the savory flavors of the steak tips.
• Salt: It’s the seasoning that pulls everything together, ensuring the beef is perfectly seasoned and the flavors pop in every bite.
• Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and earthiness, balancing out the richness of the butter and the creamy pasta with its subtle sharpness.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its velvety, smooth texture. It brings richness to the dish, blending beautifully with the garlic butter and melting into the cheesy rigatoni.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh and stirred into the sauce, this cheese adds a nutty, salty edge that takes the creaminess to another level. It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties everything together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and melted into the pasta, mozzarella brings a gooey, stretchy quality that makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.
• Rigatoni Pasta: The hearty, ridged pasta holds onto that creamy sauce, allowing each bite to be a perfect balance of cheese and buttery goodness. Its texture also makes it the perfect vessel for all the deliciousness.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak tips, olive oil helps create that crispy, golden-brown exterior while locking in the juicy tenderness inside.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped and sprinkled on top just before serving, parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that brightens up the dish and balances out all the richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

• Pair with a Crisp Green Salad: The richness of this dish calls for something fresh and light on the side. A crisp green salad with mixed greens, a tangy vinaigrette, and perhaps a few slices of ripe avocado will cut through the creamy indulgence and provide a perfect balance. Plus, a little crunch always makes a meal feel more complete, don’t you think?
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking to add a bit of color and nutrients, roasted vegetables are the way to go. Think crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even some roasted asparagus. The slight caramelization on the veggies pairs beautifully with the rich steak and cheesy pasta, adding texture and a pop of flavor.
• Crusty Bread for Sopping Up the Sauce: Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand—because let’s be real, who wants to leave any of that luscious garlic butter sauce behind? A warm loaf of baguette or rustic sourdough will do wonders for mopping up every last bit of creamy goodness from your plate. Trust me, it’s a must!

How to Store Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and I’m sure you will be!), storing this dish properly is key to keeping it as delicious as the day you made it. First, let it cool down to room temperature before popping it into an airtight container. You don’t want to trap all that steam in there, or you’ll end up with soggy pasta instead of a creamy, indulgent meal.

For short-term storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove with a little splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. The mozzarella and parmesan will meld back together beautifully, and the steak tips will stay tender if you reheat them slowly, avoiding the microwave if you can.

If you want to save this dish for later, freezing is an option, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. To freeze, transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container, making sure it’s tightly sealed. It should keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra cream or water to revive the sauce. Even though it’s frozen, the garlic butter steak tips and cheesy rigatoni will still bring all the comfort and flavor you crave.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, a dish that’s as indulgent as it is comforting. From the rich, buttery steak tips to the creamy, cheesy pasta that perfectly clings to every bite, it’s the kind of meal that’ll make you feel like a culinary genius without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something satisfying on a weeknight, this dish has got your back.

The best part? It’s completely customizable to fit your cravings and tastes, so don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients or add your own twist. I’m confident that once you’ve tried it, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.

Feel free to print this recipe below and save it for the next time you’re in the mood to whip up something seriously delicious. I’d love to hear how it turns out—whether you make it just as is or add your own spin. If you have any questions, need tips, or just want to share your thoughts, drop a comment below! Cooking should be fun and a little personal, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help.

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

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

Calories: 600

Description

Juicy, tender steak tips sizzled in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni for the ultimate comfort food. Every bite is a perfect blend of savory steak and luscious pasta—impossible to resist!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb steak tips

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 8 oz rigatoni pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot of salted water over high heat for cooking the rigatoni pasta.
2. Once the water reaches a boil, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water in case you need it later.
4. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the olive oil to the skillet and allow it to heat up for about a minute.
6. Once the oil is hot, add the steak tips in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
7. Cook the steak tips for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a nice sear and reach your desired level of doneness.
8. Once cooked, transfer the steak tips to a plate and set them aside.
9. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the bottom.
10. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
11. Stir in the chopped thyme and rosemary, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavors.
12. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the garlic and herbs.
13. Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
14. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
15. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet and stir until the mozzarella is melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
16. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
17. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
18. Return the steak tips to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat.
19. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
20. If the dish seems too dry, add a bit more reserved pasta water to create a silkier sauce.
21. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, bright flavor.
22. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate has a good portion of steak, pasta, and creamy sauce.

Note

• Make sure the steak tips are not overcrowded in the skillet to ensure a good sear.
• For a richer flavor, use aged Parmesan cheese for the sauce.
• Reserve more pasta water than needed in case the sauce thickens too much.
• You can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk and cornstarch mixture.

Keywords: Garlic butter steak tips recipe, cheesy rigatoni with steak, easy steak and pasta dinner, garlic butter steak and pasta, rigatoni with cheesy steak tips