Description
Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak is a comforting and indulgent dish combining perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy cheese sauce with tender, garlic butter-infused steak slices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 12 oz sirloin or ribeye steak
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Sear the Garlic Butter Steak: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Once fragrant, add the steak seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the skillet if needed. Stir in the heavy cream and slowly add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring constantly to melt and combine into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Add Steak and Finish: Fold in the thinly sliced garlic butter steak and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Choose the right steak: Pick a tender cut like ribeye or sirloin for a juicy, flavorful bite.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is key to avoid mushy rigatoni when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Use fresh garlic: It makes a noticeable difference by providing a vibrant and aromatic bite.
- Reserve pasta water: Helps smooth out the sauce and allows it to cling better to the rigatoni.
- Rest the steak: Letting it rest after searing keeps the meat juicy and tender when sliced.
- Make ahead cheese sauce: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat when ready to combine with pasta and steak.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Stove-top Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: cheesy rigatoni, garlic butter steak, comfort food, creamy pasta, easy dinner, steak pasta recipe