Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been incredibly helpful in my life. What is Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni? What is mac and cheese like? What’s that creamy tomato pasta you used to love? What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious? What are some of the best pickiest food recipes? What are some good Cajun spices to serve with steak? My family devours this, and I bet you will too! I always serve it with Garlic Bread to soak up all that sauce. Do you need this in your life?
What Is Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni?
Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni is essentially the grown-up, way more flavorful cousin of your favorite steak. Childhood macaroni and cheese. What are some of the best steak tips marinated in Cajun spices? rigatoni pasta, smothered in a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce that’s just begging to be eaten. Is it that simple? We’re talking Cajun-spiced steak, served over rigatoni pasta, and drenched in a luscious, cheesy, Is it a complete meal in one pot? If you’re looking for something that’s both comforting and exciting, this is it. What’s in a bowl? A little spice.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons I love this recipe?flavorIs this out of this world? The Cajun spices give the steak a great kick, and the creamy cheese sauce balances it out. What I love about this is how good it is in your mouth!easyIs it possible to make a great meal in 30 minutes? Let’s talk about the future.Cost-– you can use relatively inexpensive cuts of steak for this, and it still tastes like a million dollars. I usually buy sirloin tips, and they work perfectly. Plus, the ingredients are pretty basic pantry staples.versatileWhat are some good substitutes for steak? What is the difference between chicken and sausage Is it totally customizable? If you love pasta bakes, but want something a bit quicker and cheesier, you might also like my recipe. What are some good Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni? Is this just hit differently? Isn’t it the perfect combination of comfort and spice that keeps me coming back for more? Is this a good book to read?
How do you make Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni?
Quick Overview
How do I make this Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni? First, you’ll marinate and sear the steak tips to perfection. How do you make a creamy cheese sauce? What is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that the whole family will love? Is it easier than you think? What’s all done in one pot, which means less cleanup! This method is special because it uses everyday ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality flavor. In a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Steak Tips:
* 1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always prefer sirloin for its tenderness and flavor, but you can use other cuts as well.
* 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend. I like to use a blend with a good balance of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can find this at most grocery stores, or make your own!
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil. Use a good quality Olive oil for the best flavor.
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. This adds a nice depth of flavor to the marinade.
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
* 1 lb rigatoni pasta. Rigatoni is my go-to for this dish because the ridges hold the sauce so well, but you can use any other pasta. What are pasta shapes?
* 4 tablespoons butter. Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the amount of salt in the dish.
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This is used to make a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
* 3 cups milk. Whole milk will give you the creamiest sauce, but you can use 2% if you prefer. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese. What are some good substitutes for cheddar cheese?
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Parmean adds a nice salty, savory flavor to the sauce.
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Season to your liking!
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First, get your steak ready by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a large oven-safe skillet or crockpot with butter or oil. Cooking spray to prevent sticking. I always do this right at the beginning to make sure I don’t forget!
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
In a medium bowl, combine the steak tips, Cajun seasoning, Olive Oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside. Toss well to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for even more flavor. The longer you marinate the steak, the tastier it will be! Be careful not to marinate too long though, or the steak will get mushy.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Set aside. Add the marinated steak tips and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Do not overcrowd the pan – you may need to do this in batches. What’s the best way to cook a steak?
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the steak is searing, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy when you add it to the cheese sauce. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better and have a more pleasant texture.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet (after removing the steak), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy. When cheese is melted, the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. What cheese sauce should you use? If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the rigatoni pasta and seared steak tips to the cheese sauce. Toss well to combine, ensuring that everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Where does magic happen? What do you think of the cheese sauce on pasta and steak?
Step 7: Bake (Optional)
If desired, transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. What are some tips for heating a pan of water to 450°C for 10 minutes? If you bake it, it adds a nice golden-brown crust to the top, but it’s totally optional. I usually skip this step on busy weeknights to save time.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley, if desired. This dish is best served hot, so dig in right away! I always serve it with Garlic Bread to soak up all that sauce. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few serving suggestions.
What is a quick weeknight meal?Serve with a side salad. What are some good salads to serve with a Caesar salad? It adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
For a Weekend Feast:Add some roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. What is the best way to roast a chicken?
For a Special Occasion: Start with some garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. These are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. And don’t forget dessert! A simple chocolate brownie or a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream would be a great way to end the meal.
My Family’s Favorite: I usually serve this with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad. It’s a quick and easy meal that everyone loves. Plus, the leftovers are great for lunch the next day! One year, my family requested this *instead* of Thanksgiving Turkey! It was a little crazy but they love it *that* much. You’ve got to try it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni
Want to take your Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for perfecting this dish.
Steak Selection: Choose a tender cut of steak like sirloin, ribeye, or New York Strip for the best results. Cheaper cuts can be tough, even with marinating.
Cajun Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. If you like it extra spicy, add a little more cayenne pepper. If you’re not a fan of spice, use a milder blend.
Cheese Sauce Consistency: The cheese sauce should be thick and creamy, but not too thick. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when you add it to the cheese sauce. Also, you can use other pasta shapes if you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even macaroni would work well in this dish.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables to the mix. Bell Peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even spinach would be great additions. Sauté them before adding them to the cheese sauce.
Spice Control: If you want to control the amount of spice, start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. You can also use a milder Cajun seasoning blend.
Marinating Magic: Marinate the steak for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. Marinating for too long can make the steak mushy.
Searing Secrets: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. Searing in batches will ensure that the steak browns evenly and doesn’t steam.
Cheese Choices: You can use a variety of cheeses in this dish. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. The secret ingredient that I never tell anyone is a dash of Cream Cheese. It really amplifies that rich, creamy flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is the best way to preserve its flavor and texture.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods: To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
A Word of Caution: Make sure to consume leftovers within a reasonable timeframe to avoid any foodborne illnesses. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or slimy texture, it’s best to discard it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal. I love how it combines the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the spicy kick of Cajun cuisine. It’s a total crowd-pleaser! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes for more inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!
Cajun Steak Tips Cheesy Rigatoni
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Steak Tips
- 1 lb Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season steak tips generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook steak tips in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked to your liking.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and steak tips to the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
