Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal to impress your family or friends, look no further than Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni. This dish combines juicy steak, spicy Cajun flavors, and creamy pasta, creating a feast for your taste buds. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe because it’s a great blend of flavors and textures. The smoky Cajun spices on the steak pair perfectly with the rich and creamy rigatoni. This dish is not only tasty but also satisfying, making it a wonderful choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to follow, so you can whip it up without any stress!
How to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) sirloin steaks, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare the Steak: Pat the sirloin steaks dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the steaks.
Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Cook longer if you want a higher doneness.
Make Garlic Butter: In the last minute of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, along with the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Tilt the skillet and continuously spoon the garlic butter over the steaks for about 1 minute. Once done, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest, covered loosely with foil.
Cook the Pasta: While the steak rests, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Slice the Steak: Slice the rested sirloin steaks against the grain into thin strips.
Assemble and Serve: Divide the creamy rigatoni among plates and top with slices of the Cajun garlic butter steak. You can garnish with chopped chives, if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
Serve this dish hot, garnished with some fresh herbs if you want. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Note that the pasta may absorb some sauce, so you might want to add a splash of cream or broth while reheating.
Tips to Make Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
- Don’t skip resting the steak! This helps it stay juicy.
- For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or some crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; you want it to be al dente.
Variation
You can swap out the rigatoni for other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the steak fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor in the creamy sauce.
3. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make a quick alternative using equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delicious and creamy Cajun butter steak!
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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and hearty meal combining juicy steak with spicy Cajun flavors and creamy rigatoni, perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) sirloin steaks, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the sirloin steaks dry with paper towels. Rub Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the steaks.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and smoked paprika in the last minute of cooking. Spoon garlic butter over the steaks for about 1 minute and then let them rest.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Slice the rested sirloin steaks against the grain into thin strips.
- Divide creamy rigatoni among plates and top with slices of Cajun garlic butter steak. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t skip resting the steak; it helps retain juiciness. For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: steak, pasta, Cajun, creamy, garlic butter
