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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce served in a bowl with creamy Parmesan sauce, seared steak bites, and parsley.

Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Creamy, cheesy rigatoni tossed in a rich Parmesan sauce with Cajun-seared steak tips—bold, comforting, and restaurant-style at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 860
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper mild/medium; reduce to ¼ teaspoon for very mild
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Steak
  • 1.5 lb sirloin steak tips cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Pasta
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • water for boiling
  • salt for pasta water
Parmesan Cream Sauce
  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Large skillet for searing steak + making sauce
  • 1 Cutting board for steak prep
  • 1 Sharp knife for cubing steak
  • 1 Whisk for sauce
  • 1 Colander to drain pasta
  • 1 measuring spoon set spices & sauce consistency

Method
 

  1. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, pepper, cayenne, and salt.
  2. Pat steak dry, toss with Cajun mix. Rest 15 minutes.
  3. Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain (reserve a splash of pasta water).
  4. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet. Sear steak tips 2 minutes per side until browned; remove. Add 2 tablespoon butter, let it melt.
  5. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoon butter, add minced garlic, cook 30–60 seconds (don’t brown).
  6. Add heavy cream; simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  7. Add rigatoni to sauce; loosen with a splash of pasta water if needed.
  8. Return steak tips to the pan and toss 2 minutes to heat through.
  9. Top with parsley (and optional sesame seeds/green onions if you like). Serve hot.