If you’re in the mood for a comfort food dinner that packs a seriously bold punch, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is just the dish to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Imagine juicy steak bites seared until golden brown, tossed in rich garlic butter, and nestled atop a bed of ultra-creamy, cheese-laden rigatoni—every bite delivers savory goodness and a hint of decadence that never feels fussy. The flavors marry together in a satisfyingly indulgent way, yet this meal comes together in under an hour and doesn’t require any special equipment. This truly is my idea of pure weeknight magic!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how every ingredient pulls its own weight: each one either elevates the flavor, adds luscious creaminess, or ensures the perfect steak bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:

Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 ½ lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Go for a tender, well-marbled cut for the juiciest, most flavorful steak tips.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve a beautiful sear while also bringing out the richness of the meat.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): The star aromatics; fresh garlic infuses both the steak and the butter for an irresistible savory depth.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons for steak, 2 tablespoons for pasta): Delivers that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rounds out the flavors.
Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds an umami punch and subtle tang that takes the steak to the next level.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning both steak and sauce—don’t skimp!
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Brings freshness and a lovely pop of color to the finished plate.
Rigatoni pasta (12 oz): Tubular pasta holds onto that cheesy sauce, making every bite extra satisfying.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Key for thickening the creamy cheese sauce.
Whole milk (2 cups, warmed): Warms things up without curdling and ensures the sauce stays velvety smooth.
Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Delivers mild, gooey cheesiness as it melts into the sauce.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): For nutty, sharp flavor and extra richness in each forkful.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Reinforces the garlic flavor in the cheese sauce, so it’s cohesive with the steak tips.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—generously salting the water is your secret weapon for flavorful pasta. Add the rigatoni and cook it until just al dente, so it can soak up some of that cheesy sauce later without turning mushy. Drain well and set aside, but don’t rinse—the little bit of starch helps the sauce cling to each noodle.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesy Sauce

While your pasta is boiling away, get your saucepan ready. Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then sprinkle in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for about a minute; you want to remove the raw taste while building the base for a silky sauce. Slowly add the warm milk, still whisking (a little arm workout never hurt anyone), until it’s smooth and thickened—expect about 3 to 4 minutes. Time to toss in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper! Stir until everything is melted and luscious. Add the cooked rigatoni, then toss to coat. Cover and keep warm while you move on to the main event: steak tips.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips

Pat your steak pieces dry, then season all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Spread the steak tips out (you want a good sear, not a steam), and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side—they should develop a golden-brown crust. Drop the heat to medium, then toss in the butter and minced garlic. Stir for another minute or so, basting the steak tips with all that garlicky, melted goodness. Finally, drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce for that deep, savory zing before giving everything one last toss.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish

Ready for the best part? Spoon that steamy, glossy cheesy rigatoni onto plates, then pile the garlic butter steak tips right on top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a fresh grating of Parmesan for show-stopping appeal. For a little extra indulgence, swirl some of the leftover garlic butter from the pan over the pasta. This is how Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni achieves legendary status—even before the first bite!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

A sprinkling of chopped parsley lends fresh flavor and color, while a shower of Parmesan gives every forkful that salty, nutty finish we all crave. If you want even more depth, try a touch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving. It’s these simple details that elevate Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni from hearty to heavenly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Think garlicky sautéed spinach, lemony asparagus, or even blistered cherry tomatoes. A crusty baguette is also fantastic for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce or garlic butter—no shame in a little saucy swoop!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in small bowls or ramekins for party-style eats. If you’re feeling extra, top each portion with a poached or soft-cooked egg—the runny yolk mingling with the cheese sauce is unforgettable. For a family-style approach, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni keep surprisingly well—just be sure to cool everything down before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might discover it tastes even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a busy week, portion the steak and cheesy rigatoni into individual, freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze within 24 hours of cooking and use within one month—the pasta may soften a bit, but it will still be wonderfully flavorful.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish, splash in a little milk to loosen the cheese sauce, and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. Or, simply microwave individual portions in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan to revive that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are my favorites for their balance of tenderness and flavor, strip steak or even tenderloin work great in this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe. Aim for a cut with good marbling and avoid tough, lean cuts like round steak.

Is it possible to swap out the rigatoni?

Yes—you can use penne, ziti, or even rotini if you’d prefer. Just make sure to use a pasta shape that catches and holds the cheesy sauce for best results.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the cheese sauce and pasta in advance, then quickly reheat and toss before your guests arrive. Sear the steak tips right before serving for that just-cooked flavor and aroma. Assembly takes just minutes, making it a stress-free party dish.

What veggies can I add for extra nutrition?

Mushrooms, baby spinach, or even steamed broccoli are wonderful add-ins. Simply sauté or steam your veggies, then stir them into the pasta or toss with your steak tips before serving.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni isn’t spicy at all. If you’d like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle on top for a gentle kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that brings everyone running to the kitchen, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni absolutely delivers. It’s easy to make, off-the-charts delicious, and oh-so-comforting. Treat yourself to this creamy, garlicky, and buttery wonder—you deserve it!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a luxurious meal with this recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips served over a bed of creamy Cheesy Rigatoni. Tender steak bites are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and paired with a rich and cheesy pasta dish. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the steak tips:

1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the cheesy rigatoni:

12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warmed)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and creamy. Add cooked rigatoni and toss to coat. Cover and keep warm.
Cook the steak tips: Season steak pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak tips and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the steak in garlic butter. Add Worcestershire sauce and toss.
Assemble: Serve steak tips over a bed of cheesy rigatoni. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.