Step 1: Prepare the Steak Tips
- Marinate the Steak Tips: Season the steak tips with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of thyme and rosemary. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature to enhance the flavors.
- Cook the Steak Tips: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak tips and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak. You want them to be nicely browned on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside. Once cooked, remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter, minced garlic, and remaining herbs (thyme and rosemary). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine with Steak: Return the cooked steak tips to the skillet, toss them in the garlic butter sauce, and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the steak and infuse it with flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni
- Cook the Pasta: While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pastaand cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding some of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Steak
- Combine the Steak and Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. Add the steak tips and toss everything together so that the steak and the cheesy pasta are fully combined.
- Adjust the Sauce: If needed, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency for the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Divide the cheesy rigatoni among serving plates and top with the garlic butter steak tips.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Steak Cut: Choose your favorite steak cut for this recipe. Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak all work well. Just make sure the steak is cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the sauce. Gruyère or cheddar would also be delicious alternatives to mozzarella.
- Add Veggies: If you want to add some extra veggies, sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli and toss them in with the pasta and steak for a more balanced meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. The steak is perfectly seasoned and cooked to a tender, juicy perfection, while the creamy, cheesy rigatoni is the ultimate indulgence. Together, they make a hearty meal that will please any steak or pasta lover!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this meal is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!