Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni: The Best Easy Dinner Recipe

Posted on July 26, 2025

garlic butter steak tips - featured image

The sizzle of juicy steak tips in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni—this dish is a true weeknight winner! Honestly, every time I make these garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni, I can’t help but get excited about dinner. The aroma fills the kitchen and has everyone running to the table in anticipation. It’s a dish that not only tastes amazing but also brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction that is hard to beat. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a bustling week when I needed something quick yet delicious to whip up for my family. Now, it’s a staple in our household!

You see, there’s something inherently delightful about combining tender steak tips with a rich, cheesy pasta. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Perfect for busy families or anyone who just wants a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, this recipe is packed with flavor and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself after a long day, these garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni will do the trick. So, let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni. For starters, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on any occasion. Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe on repeat:

Quick & Easy: It comes together in just under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to make a fancy grocery run; most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is always a hit.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will rave about this meal; it’s hard not to love steak and cheesy pasta!
Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of garlic butter and steak with creamy cheese is next-level comfort food.

What sets this recipe apart from the rest is the technique of using the garlic butter to sear the steak tips, creating a rich, flavorful crust that locks in the juices. The rigatoni is coated in a creamy cheese sauce that perfectly complements the steak, ensuring every bite is a flavor explosion. You’ll find yourself closing your eyes after that first bite, savoring the warmth and heartiness of this meal. Trust me; it’s comfort food reimagined—quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:
- 1 pound of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat

These ingredients are pantry staples that you can easily find at your local grocery store. And the best part? You can customize this recipe with your favorite cheeses or even add in some veggies like spinach or broccoli for an extra nutrient boost!

Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, gather these essential kitchen tools:

Large skillet or frying pan
Pot for boiling pasta
Colander for draining pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons

If you don’t have a large skillet, any heavy-bottomed pan will do just fine. And don’t stress if you’re missing a specific tool; the recipe can adapt to what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!

Preparation Method

Start by boiling a pot of salted water for the rigatoni. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until bubbly.
Season the steak pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the steak to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, without stirring, until a nice crust forms on one side.
Flip the steak pieces and add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to help loosen it.
Finally, add the steak tips back into the skillet with the rigatoni. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for another minute.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni turn out perfectly:

Cut the steak evenly: Try to cut the steak pieces into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the steak in batches to get that beautiful sear.
Adjust the heat: Keep an eye on the heat while cooking the steak to prevent burning the garlic. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat.
Monitor the pasta: Cooking the rigatoni just until al dente is key; it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the cheese sauce.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to add extra spices or different cheeses to personalize the dish to your taste.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is easily adaptable! Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the steak for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tempeh.
Different Pasta: Feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for a fun twist.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some extra heat.
Seasonal Veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrients and color.

One of my favorite personal variations is to add a hint of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor to the cheese sauce—it’s delicious!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni hot, straight from the skillet. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For storage:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick.

As the flavors sit, they may deepen a bit, making the leftovers even tastier the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers some nutritional benefits:

Approximate calories per serving: 650
Protein-rich from the steak, which is great for muscle repair and growth.
Cheddar cheese provides calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.
Rigatoni offers carbohydrates for energy, making this a well-rounded meal.

However, keep in mind that it’s also rich, so it’s a treat you might want to save for special occasions!

Conclusion

In summary, garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni is a recipe worth trying! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home. I love how customizable it is, allowing you to tweak it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. I encourage you to give it a shot, and don’t forget to share your adaptations in the comments! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Cuts like ribeye or tenderloin will work wonderfully, but you can also use flank steak if you prefer a leaner option.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for the rigatoni?

Yes, you can easily substitute the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta, and it will taste just as delicious!

3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the steak and cheese sauce ahead of time, then combine and heat just before serving.

5. What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Pair it with a simple garden salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the steak and cheese!

Pin This Recipe!