There’s something about a hearty plate of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni that just warms my heart. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this combination—it was a cozy weekend evening, and I was in the mood for comfort food but wanted to impress my friends with something a bit more gourmet. After rummaging through the fridge and pantry, I concocted this divine dish, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The succulent steak bites smothered in rich garlic butter paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni made for a match made in heaven.
This dish is perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself (or someone special) without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile! You can swap the steak for chicken or keep the cheese rigatoni on the side for a delicious vegetarian option. Whatever you do, just remember: good friends, good food, and a little laughter make any meal better!
What’s in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?
Steak Tips: Tender pieces of beef are the star of this dish. I recommend using sirloin or ribeye for a juicy outcome. They cook quickly and soak up those garlic butter flavors beautifully.
Butter: A generous amount of unsalted butter helps create that rich, luxurious sauce that coats the steak tips. You can use good quality butter for an even better taste.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the secret ingredient. It adds that punch of flavor that elevates the dish to something divine.
Rigatoni: This tubular pasta holds sauce like a champ! You can always switch it up with any pasta shape you like, but rigatoni’s ridges add an extra delightful texture.
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for its tangy flavor. It melts perfectly into the pasta and creates that creamy goodness we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkling of grated Parmesan takes it to the next level with its salty depth, and trust me, you don’t want to skip this step.
Heavy Cream: To achieve that thick, saucy consistency in the rigatoni, a splash of heavy cream is essential. It creates a dreamy texture that binds everything together.
Is Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Good for You?
Now, while this dish is downright delicious, there are a few health considerations to keep in mind.
Steak Tips: Packed with protein and iron, steak is great for muscle repair and overall health, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its saturated fat content.
Butter: While it adds flavor, butter is high in calories and saturated fat. Using it sparingly or opting for a healthier oil can keep things lighter.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness but also brings a hefty calorie count, so if you’re watching your fat intake, you might consider replacing it with half-and-half or a cashew cream for a lighter touch.
Enjoying this dish once in a while is totally fine—everything in moderation, right?
Ingredients
– 1 ½ pounds of steak tips (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound rigatoni pasta
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?
1. **Cook the Rigatoni:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2. **Prepare the Steak Tips:** Season the steak tips generously with salt and pepper.
3. **Sear the Steak:** In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt ¼ cup of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the steak tips in a single layer and sear until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cook to your desired doneness and then remove from the skillet to rest.
4. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:** In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. **Combine with Rigatoni:** Return the steak tips to the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. If the mixture seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6. **Add Cheeses:** Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Top with Parmesan and mix until well combined.
7. **Serve:** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm!
Gourmet Cooking Tips and Tricks
– **Steak Marinade:** Consider marinating the steak tips for a few hours or overnight in a blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an extra flavor kick!
– **Pasta Variety:** Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes; penne or farfalle would work beautifully as well.
– **Veggie Additions:** If you want to sneak in some greens, sautéed spinach or broccoli would make a great addition to the rigatoni.
I truly hope you give this recipe a try! It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone around the table, sharing stories and smiles. Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out; I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Happy cooking!
