Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
An irresistible blend of savory steak and gooey cheese paired with creamy rigatoni pasta, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips (or steak cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni
- 10–12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk or half & half
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Rigatoni
- Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Preparing Steak Tips
- Season steak tips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp butter and minced garlic.
- Cook until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce (if using), then return the steak tips to the pan.
- Toss to coat in garlic butter and bring it all together.
- Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan (or cleaned skillet), melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux for about a minute.
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened (around 3–5 minutes).
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth.
- Add pasta and a splash of reserved water as needed to loosen the mix.
- Season to taste.
Serving
- Plate cheesy rigatoni, topping generously with garlic butter steak tips.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
For lighter options, use lean cuts of steak, whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni, nut milk, or skip the butter for healthier oil alternatives.