Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni - Flavorful & Easy Dinner

Crispy edges and bold, spicy seasoning make this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe one of my absolute go-tos for cozy weeknight dinners that don’t feel like a chore to make. Trust me, the combination of tender steak tips and that luscious cheese sauce will have you coming back for seconds.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a dish with two main layers. The bottom layer is made of large, short tube-shaped pasta pieces that are golden-yellow with a slightly shiny texture, arranged evenly across the plate. On top of the pasta, there are chunks of browned meat with a crispy outside and a tender look inside, scattered in the center. The entire dish is sprinkled with small green herb pieces and finely grated white cheese, adding color contrast and texture. Some tiny red spices are also visible on the pasta. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe, it feels like I’m treating myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The mix of spicy, savory steak and creamy, cheesy pasta really hits a perfect balance that my whole family loves.

Bold Flavor Kick: The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat and depth that wakes up the steak tips beautifully.
Comforting Creamy Sauce: That cheesy rigatoni sauce is rich, silky, and clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal you can whip up even when life’s hectic.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap the pasta shape or tweak spice levels to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances bold Cajun spices and the creamy cheesy goodness of rigatoni in parmesan sauce, creating a dish where every ingredient shines but also complements the others perfectly. Shopping for fresh, quality components makes a big difference here.

Flat lay of fresh raw steak tips with a reddish-brown hue, a small mound of uncooked rigatoni pasta tubes, a wedge of pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy cheese sauce, and three whole brown eggs with clean shells, all arranged with perfect symmetry in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Steak tips: Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work great—they cook quickly and stay juicy with the seasoning.
Cajun seasoning: Look for a blend that has paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs for authentic flavor.
Rigatoni pasta: Its ridges hold the cheesy sauce perfectly—you could swap rigatoni with penne if needed.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has a sharper, nuttier flavor than pre-grated.
Heavy cream: Essential for a silky sauce texture that coats the rigatoni without being too thick.
Butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s base flavor.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are a must—they give that fragrant depth you want in cheesy sauces.
Onion: Adds sweetness and subtle complexity to both the sauce and steak tips.
Olive oil: For searing the steak tips and sautéing vegetables.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste—simple but crucial for balancing flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with spice levels and veggies in this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe. Sometimes, I toss in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for an earthier flavor. You should absolutely feel free to personalize it to suit your cravings.

Variation: Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce is a game changer—I tried it once and it brought a lovely brightness that cut through the richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

A shiny silver pot filled about halfway with water is cooking short tube pasta that floats and rests inside, with small bubbles rising around it. The pot is on a dark gray stove burner, and the pot handle extends to the right. The background shows a white marbled surface to the right side of the pot and white tiles behind the stove. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak Tips

Start by patting your steak tips dry, then generously coat them with Cajun seasoning. Searing them in a hot skillet with olive oil gives you that amazing caramelized crust—don’t crowd the pan, or you risk steaming instead of searing. I usually do this in batches if needed. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness until you see that beautiful crust form.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce

In the same skillet, add some butter and sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base—you’ll be amazed how that simple combo kicks up the sauce flavor.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it bubble gently for a few minutes until it thickens just a bit. Then, temper in freshly grated parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring to melt it completely. The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t overdo it on the heat here. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Rigatoni

Meanwhile, boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well but save about half a cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the creamy parmesan sauce. Add the seared steak tips on top and give everything a gentle mix so the flavors mingle. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help achieve that perfect consistency.

Top Tip

From my many attempts making this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe, I’ve gathered a few tricks that really make the difference between good and outstanding:

Pat Steak Tips Dry: This ensures a great sear. Wet meat steams and won’t get that flavorful crust.
Don't Overcook the Steak: Cajun steak tips cook quickly; aiming for medium-rare to medium keeps them juicy and tender.
Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated cheese—pre-grated often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting and texture.
Reserve Pasta Water: A splash helps loosen thick sauce and helps it stick better to the rigatoni’s ridges.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

A black pan filled with many browned cubes of cooked beef, each piece glistening with oil and lightly coated with small bits of chopped green herbs and garlic. The meat pieces are uneven in shape but similar in size, showing a seared texture with some grill marks. The pan sits on a wooden surface with a gray cloth partially visible under one side. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and mild freshness that balances the richness. A little extra cracked black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either. Sometimes I add a few crushed red pepper flakes if we’re feeling spicy.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. It keeps the meal balanced without complicating flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate the rigatoni in a shallow bowl, artfully arrange the steak tips on top, and drizzle a little extra parmesan sauce around the edges. It looks elegant but still approachable—a winning presentation that impresses guests without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and recommend eating them within 2 days for best freshness. The flavor actually deepens overnight, but keep in mind the steak tips will be a bit less juicy on reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—just portion it into freezer-friendly containers. When thawed and reheated, the sauce might separate slightly, but stirring vigorously while reheating fixes that fast.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. The steak tips warm through quickly, so I avoid high heat to keep them tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye steak tips are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can use skirt steak or even flank steak. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking time since leaner cuts cook faster and might need slicing against the grain after cooking to maximize tenderness.

How spicy is the Cajun steak seasoning in this dish?

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted easily by the amount of seasoning you use. If you prefer less heat, use half the Cajun seasoning or choose a milder blend. Adding extra red pepper flakes can amp up the heat if you like things spicy!

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap the rigatoni for gluten-free pasta—many good brands hold up well in creamy sauces. Just follow cooking times on the package since gluten-free pasta can become mushy if overcooked.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the steak tips?

Reheat the leftovers slowly over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce moist. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the steak tips from drying out or becoming tough.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is one of those meals I turn to when I want comfort food that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward to make. It’s reliably delicious and reminds me of laid-back dinners with friends and family. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—you’ll appreciate the lovely blend of flavors, textures, and that cozy, home-cooked vibe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way