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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni Recipe

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 16 reviews

A rich and flavorful Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak paired with creamy rigatoni pasta, perfect for a comforting and indulgent dinner. This dish features a perfectly seared steak seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

For the Steak

  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to ensure a flavorful crust.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the steak and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly. Then add the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Whisk in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it by gradually adding the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  7. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic cheese sauce.
  8. Slice and Add Steak: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Return the sliced steak to the skillet with the pasta. Stir in the red pepper flakes if using, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice for brightness.
  9. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Choose a well-marbled steak such as ribeye for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Rest the steak before slicing to retain the juices and keep the meat juicy.
  • To reheat leftovers, gently warm the pasta and steak while adding a splash of warm milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add Cajun seasoning to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy cajun steak pasta, garlic butter steak, creamy rigatoni, easy dinner, weeknight pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/cheesy-cajun-garlic-butter-steak-with-creamy-rigatoni-recipe/