Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni

Posted on February 17, 2025

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Have you ever experienced a dish that leaves your taste buds dancing? The savory aroma of garlic butter steak mingling with creamy cheesy rigatoni is a culinary delight that promises to elevate any meal. Imagine tender steak coated in rich garlic butter paired with perfectly cooked rigatoni smothered in melted cheese. This dish is not only delicious but embodies the comfort we all crave.

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

Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish combines two classic favorites: juicy steak and cheesy pasta. The comforting flavors create a meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or celebrating a special occasion, it provides the perfect balance of richness and heartiness.

Impressive Presentation: When plated beautifully, this dish looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant colors and textures will wow your guests, making it ideal for entertaining or family gatherings.

Versatile Pairings: Serve this dish alongside a fresh salad or some grilled vegetables for added nutrition and flavor variety. You can also customize the cheese used in the rigatoni to match your preferences.

Ingredients

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

Ribeye Steak: Choose a well-marbled ribeye for maximum flavor and tenderness; about 1-inch thick works best for searing.

Fresh Garlic: Use minced fresh garlic for an aromatic kick; about four cloves will infuse the dish beautifully.

Unsalted Butter: Opting for unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium level while enhancing the richness of the sauce.

Rigatoni Pasta: This sturdy pasta shape holds onto sauces well; cook it al dente for the best texture in your dish.

Cheddar Cheese: Grated sharp cheddar adds a deliciously tangy flavor; feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you prefer.

Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream to create that luscious cheesy sauce that’s rich and satisfying.

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

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Sear the Steak: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the ribeye steak generously with salt and pepper. Add one tablespoon of butter once hot, then add the steak and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached (medium-rare is recommended).

Add Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low once the steak is done cooking. Remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board while adding minced garlic into the remaining butter in the skillet. Sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Create Cheesy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream along with reserved pasta water into the skillet. Stir continuously while adding grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth; season with salt and pepper as needed.

Toss Rigatoni with Sauce: Add drained rigatoni into the skillet containing cheese sauce; gently toss to combine thoroughly so every piece is coated evenly.

Slice Steak & Serve: Slice rested ribeye against the grain into strips. Plate up by serving cheesy rigatoni topped with sliced steak and drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over everything for added flavor!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

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

Select Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in flavor; choose fresh herbs and good quality cheese for optimal taste.

Let Your Steak Rest: Always allow your cooked steak to rest before slicing; this helps retain juices ensuring every bite is succulent.

Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme enhances both flavor and presentation; sprinkle them on top just before serving!

Monitor Cooking Times: Keep an eye on both your pasta and steak while cooking; overcooking either can result in undesirable textures that detract from your meal’s quality.

Tweak Flavor Profiles: Feel free to experiment by adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to introduce new dimensions of flavor that suit your palate better!

With these guidelines, you are set up for success creating an unforgettable garlic butter steak with cheesy rigatoni! Enjoy every bite!

Consider pairing this dish with a nice red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Chianti. These wines complement the steak beautifully and enhance the overall dining experience, making your meal feel special.

FAQs

What is the best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak?

When preparing Garlic Butter Steak, ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices due to their tenderness and flavor. Ribeye offers more marbling, resulting in juicier bites, while sirloin provides a leaner option without sacrificing taste.

How can I make Cheesy Rigatoni healthier?

To make Cheesy Rigatoni healthier, consider swapping regular pasta for whole grain or vegetable-based alternatives. You can also reduce cheese quantity or choose lower-fat options without compromising too much on flavor.

Can I prepare Garlic Butter Steak ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Garlic Butter Steak ahead of time by marinating it for several hours or overnight in the fridge. This enhances its flavor and tenderness.

What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Steak?

For Garlic Butter Steak, choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. These wines have enough structure to stand up to the rich flavors of the steak and garlic butter sauce while enhancing your overall dining experience.