Description
Savor tender steak tips and al dente rigatoni embraced by a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, bringing the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine to a comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- Water and salt, for boiling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Add the steak tips, toss thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rigatoni.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add whole milk and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear marinated steak tips in batches, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached.
- Return drained rigatoni to the pot, pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over it, and toss gently to coat. Top with the cooked Cajun steak tips, garnishing with parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Make-ahead options: Marinate steak tips a day ahead or prepare the sauce early and reheat gently. For a lower-calorie option, use reduced-fat cream and milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg