When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Is it a bowl of creamy mac and cheese, or perhaps a juicy steak sizzling on the grill? Now imagine combining those two delectable worlds into one mouthwatering garlic butter steak with cheesy rigatoni. Creamy Garlic Shrimp This dish doesn’t just tickle your taste buds; it throws a full-on flavor party that you’ll want to attend every week. The rich aroma of garlic butter wafting through your kitchen will have even the pickiest eaters begging for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.
I can still remember the day I first made this dish. It was a chilly Saturday evening, and my friends dropped by unannounced (as friends often do). With only an hour to whip up something delicious, I turned to my trusty recipe for mouthwatering garlic butter steak with cheesy rigatoni. Cheesy Butter Swim Biscuits The laughter and cheers from my friends as they savored every bite was a moment I’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an unexpected gathering, this dish is sure to impress and delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation will have you whipping this up in no time, even on busy weeknights
- Expect an explosion of flavors with every bite that will keep you coming back for more
- With its stunning presentation, it’s perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it your own creation!
I once served this dish at a potluck; my friends couldn’t stop complimenting me on my “culinary genius,” which was really just me trying not to burn the house down.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ribeye Steak: A well-marbled ribeye brings rich flavor and tenderness; look for steaks with good fat distribution.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential; it adds an aromatic punch that elevates the entire meal.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning; it gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture.
- Rigatoni Pasta: This tubular pasta holds cheese beautifully; choose whole wheat for added nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for stretchiness!
- Heavy Cream: This makes the cheese sauce luxuriously creamy; use full-fat for best results.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end—like confetti for your plate!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop your garlic and parsley while bringing water to boil for pasta. This keeps things organized and efficient!
Cook the Rigatoni: In boiling salted water, cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside but don’t forget to reserve some pasta water for later!
Sear the Steak**: Season ribeye generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add oil before placing steak in pan. Cook until nicely browned on both sides. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Steak Cheese Skillet recipe.
Add Garlic Butter Bliss**: Reduce heat once steak is seared; add minced garlic and butter into the pan. Baste steak continuously with melting butter until cooked to desired doneness—about 4-5 minutes more.
Create Cheesy Sauce**: In another saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Stir in reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Toss It All Together**: Combine rigatoni with cheesy sauce in a large bowl; slice steak against the grain and serve atop or alongside pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley before devouring!
With these steps under your belt, you’re ready to create magic in your kitchen! Just remember: when cooking, let love be your secret ingredient (and maybe some extra garlic).
Enjoying this mouthwatering garlic butter steak with cheesy rigatoni is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day—pure comfort! And don’t be surprised if you find yourself dreaming about this dish long after dinner is over! Mascarpone Stuffed Dates.
You Must Know
- This mouthwatering garlic butter steak with cheesy rigatoni is a game-changer
- The fusion of rich flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests
- Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, so don’t be intimidated!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the steak in a hot skillet to lock in juices, then cook the rigatoni while preparing your garlic butter sauce. This timing keeps everything fresh and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch out the rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken Customize the garlic butter with herbs like thyme or rosemary too.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to revive creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect steak sear, make sure it’s at room temperature before cooking
- Season generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor
- When making the garlic butter, don’t forget to stir in some freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color!
Sharing this dish with friends once led to my buddy declaring it as “the best meal he’s ever had.” His happiness made all the effort worthwhile—and I still brag about my culinary prowess!
FAQ
Can I use other meats besides steak?
Absolutely! Chicken or pork can work beautifully in this recipe too.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer; 130°F gives you a perfect medium-rare result.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use olive oil or ghee for a tasty alternative if you’re dairy-free.

Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Garlic Butter Steak paired with creamy Cheesy Rigatoni. This dish combines the rich flavors of perfectly seared ribeye steak and a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to al dente pasta. Perfect for cozy family dinners or unexpected gatherings, this recipe promises to impress every palate and leave your guests wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop garlic and parsley; boil water for pasta.
- Cook rigatoni: In boiling salted water, cook rigatoni until al dente, drain, and reserve some pasta water.
- Sear the steak: Season ribeye with salt and pepper; heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and sear steak until browned on both sides.
- Add garlic butter: Lower heat; add minced garlic and butter to the pan. Baste steak with melting butter until desired doneness (about 4–5 minutes).
- Make the cheesy sauce: In another saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Toss it all together: Combine rigatoni with cheesy sauce in a large bowl; slice steak against the grain and serve atop or beside pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg