If you’re looking for a meal that delivers both bold flavor and creamy comfort, this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce hits all the right notes. Juicy, pan-seared steak tips seasoned with Cajun spices bring a smoky, peppery punch, while the cheesy Parmesan cream sauce wraps every rigatoni in velvety indulgence. The contrast of spicy and creamy makes every bite irresistible. I tried this recipe with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a touch of cayenne for heat—it was unforgettable. Perfect for cozy nights, date dinners, or when you want something restaurant-worthy without leaving home, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and downright addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce because it combines the best of both worlds—tender, spicy steak and rich, creamy pasta. The Cajun seasoning gives the beef a smoky edge, while the Parmesan cream balances it with buttery smoothness. It’s an elevated comfort dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, ready in under an hour. The sauce clings perfectly to the rigatoni, and the steak tips add a satisfying, meaty bite to every forkful.
Print
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce: A Bold and Creamy Southern-Inspired Feast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a bold, creamy, and spicy pasta dish featuring tender seared steak bites tossed with rigatoni in a rich Parmesan cheese sauce infused with Cajun seasoning — a perfect mix of comfort and heat for steak and pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 350 g (12 oz) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat steak pieces dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds to form a roux. Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
- Toss the cooked rigatoni into the cheesy Parmesan sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return the seared steak tips to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pasta and sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use high-quality steak like sirloin or ribeye for the most tender results.
- For extra Cajun flavor, add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning directly into the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak tips (sirloin or ribeye): Bite-sized pieces that stay juicy and tender when seared. Ideal for quick cooking and full flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the steak brown evenly and enhances the richness of the dish.
Butter: Used for both searing the steak and creating the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Cajun seasoning: A bold blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs for that unmistakable Southern heat.
Garlic: Adds depth and fragrance to both the steak and the sauce.
Rigatoni pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold the cheesy sauce in every bite.
Heavy cream: The base for the sauce, giving it a silky, luxurious texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for added creaminess.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance the flavors and enhance the spice blend.
Parsley: Freshly chopped for garnish and a hint of brightness to finish the dish.
Lemon juice (optional): A small squeeze at the end lifts the richness of the sauce.
Directions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the steak. Pat steak tips dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the steak. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer, searing for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce base. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cream and cheese. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing until well coated. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the steak back. Return the Cajun steak tips to the skillet and toss gently with the pasta and sauce. Warm through for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish and serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 hearty portions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid overcooking the steak during reheating to keep it tender. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy-based sauce, but it can be prepped a day ahead and assembled before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Blackened Cajun Steak Pasta: Sear the steak tips in a cast-iron pan until slightly charred for a smoky finish.
Spicy Chipotle Twist: Add minced chipotle peppers or smoked paprika for a deeper, spicier flavor.
Garlic Butter Version: Replace Cajun seasoning with garlic powder and herbs for a milder, buttery variation.
Creamy Mushroom Cajun Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, savory depth.
Cheesy Alfredo Style: Swap Cajun seasoning for classic Italian herbs and double up on Parmesan for an Alfredo-inspired flavor.
Surf and Turf Upgrade: Add sautéed shrimp to the mix for an indulgent surf-and-turf pasta.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in roasted bell peppers or spinach for extra color and balance.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for steak tips?
Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin work beautifully—they stay tender and flavorful when seared.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, just check the salt level and adjust as needed.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy; reduce Cajun seasoning or cayenne for a milder version.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner—add more cheese to thicken it.
What type of pasta works best?
Rigatoni holds the sauce well, but penne, fettuccine, or cavatappi are great alternatives.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth and complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Sear quickly over high heat and don’t overcook—medium rare to medium is ideal.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, cook everything separately and combine just before serving to preserve texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta and check your Cajun seasoning label.
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Conclusion
This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful fusion of bold spice and creamy indulgence. The Cajun-seasoned steak brings heat and depth, while the Parmesan sauce offers a smooth, comforting counterbalance. Every bite feels hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying—a perfect centerpiece for any cozy dinner. Whether served for a family meal or a special night in, this dish proves that a touch of Cajun flair and creamy pasta is always a winning combination.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!