Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Introduction

Have you ever craved a dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures? Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is that perfect meal. Imagine succulent pieces of steak bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired beautifully with creamy rigatoni that wraps around every forkful.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender steak and cheesy pasta creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the meal.

Rich Flavor Combination: The garlic butter sauce brings out the natural flavors of the steak while adding a creamy richness from the cheesy rigatoni. Each bite is an explosion of taste that will leave you craving more.

Versatile Dish: Whether you’re serving it as a cozy family dinner or at a lively party, this dish fits any occasion. You can easily adjust the ingredients according to your preferences or dietary needs.

Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Cook a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye): Choose high-quality cuts for tenderness and flavor; about 1 pound should suffice.
• Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic cloves for a robust flavor; approximately four cloves will do.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; you will need around half a cup.
• Cheesy Rigatoni Pasta: About 12 ounces of rigatoni cooked al dente works perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances creaminess; use about half a cup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; fresh ground pepper elevates the flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the steak.

Sear the Steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper before adding them to the hot skillet. Sear each side until browned about three minutes per side for medium-rare.

Add Garlic Butter Sauce: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir it into the melted butter until fragrant about one minute.

Combine Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni with remaining melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly coated.

Add Steak Tips to Pasta: Gently fold in the seared steak tips into the cheesy rigatoni mixture. Ensure everything is well combined before serving.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Select Quality Meat: Use high-quality beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye for optimal tenderness and flavor. The better your meat, the better your dish will taste.

Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your steak while cooking; overcooking can lead to toughness. Aim for medium-rare unless preferred otherwise.

Toss While Hot: Combine pasta and cheese while they are still warm so that it melts evenly over everything, creating a creamy texture that clings beautifully.

Add Veggies if Desired: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color in your dish.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish right after preparation while it’s warm; reheating may alter its texture slightly but can still be enjoyable if needed.

Mistakes to avoid

Not seasoning the steak properly

One common mistake when preparing Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is failing to season the steak adequately. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the meat’s natural flavors. If you skip this step, your steak may taste bland and unappealing. Aim to season the steak at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the salt to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Remember, well-seasoned steak is crucial for achieving that mouthwatering garlic butter flavor.

Overcooking the steak

Another frequent error is overcooking the steak tips. To maintain tenderness and juiciness, aim for medium-rare doneness at about 130°F (54°C). Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy, and remove the steak from heat when it reaches around 125°F (52°C), as it will continue cooking while resting. Overcooked steak can become tough and chewy, ruining your Garlic Butter Steak Tips experience. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to ensure each bite remains succulent.

Ignoring the pasta cooking instructions

Many people overlook proper pasta cooking instructions when making cheesy rigatoni. Always follow package directions for al dente texture, which typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes depending on brand and thickness. Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushy rigatoni that doesn’t hold the creamy cheese sauce well. For optimal results, taste a piece a minute or two before suggested time ends to achieve that perfect balance of firmness and flavor.

Skipping the garlic butter preparation

A significant mistake is not preparing the garlic butter correctly for your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. Melted butter infused with minced garlic enhances both dishes’ flavors significantly. To achieve this, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant about one minute. Avoid burning the garlic as it can turn bitter. Properly made garlic butter elevates your meal from good to extraordinary, so take time with this step!

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad. A simple mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in a light vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the steak tips. Adding some sliced avocado can enhance the dish’s creaminess while providing healthy fats.

For a heartier side, consider serving roasted vegetables alongside your meal. Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with herbs make for a colorful plate that balances the richness of the cheesy rigatoni. Roast these at 400°F for about 25 minutes until tender.

If you’re looking for a comforting addition, garlic bread is a classic choice. A loaf of crusty French bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden brown pairs perfectly with this dish. Serve it warm to soak up any leftover sauce from the steak tips.

Lastly, a glass of red wine can elevate your dining experience. A medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the savory notes of garlic butter while enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.

FAQs

How do I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

To store leftovers effectively, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in your refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through to maintain its delicious flavor.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of rigatoni?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other pasta varieties like penne or fusilli if you prefer. Just ensure that you cook them according to package instructions for al dente texture so they hold up well against the garlic butter steak tips.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is perfect for meal prep. Divide it into individual portions and store them in containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal.

What can I serve as an alternative to cheesy rigatoni?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to cheesy rigatoni, try serving your garlic butter steak tips over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options provide a low-carb base that still delivers on flavor while keeping your meal nutritious.