Description
A cozy, flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips and creamy cheesy rigatoni that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb beef steak tips or sirloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Preheat the oven to 350°F if a browned finish is desired.
- Toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Add rigatoni to boiling water and cook until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, then sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter, sauté onion until soft, add garlic, then sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, scrape browned bits, and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Add drained rigatoni and seared steak to the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- For a baked finish, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake for 8–10 minutes until bubbly.
- Finish by sprinkling with fresh herbs and serving hot.
Notes
Let butter sit at room temperature to soften. Shred cheese from a block for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg