Boldly seasoned steak tips tossed with ridged rigatoni in a rich, velvety three-cheese sauce, featuring the warm spice of Cajun seasoning.
680 grams sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into consistent one-inch cubes
1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
One-half teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
340 grams rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced finely
360 milliliters heavy cream
120 milliliters whole milk
115 grams cream cheese, cut into small, softened cubes
100 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese
110 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
One-half teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped
1. Cook the rigatoni pasta in well-salted, boiling water until just tender (al dente). Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Season the steak tips: Toss the cubed steak with the bulk of the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for three to four minutes per side until a deep crust forms. Just before removing, add the tablespoon of butter and baste. Remove the steak and allow it to rest, leaving the pan drippings behind.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in the skillet, then add the minced garlic and cook for about sixty seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
5. Build the cream base: Whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk, then drop in the softened cream cheese cubes. Continue whisking until the cream base is completely smooth and thickened slightly.
6. Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and remaining half-teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is glossy. Use reserved pasta water (one tablespoon at a time) to adjust the consistency until it beautifully coats the back of a spoon.
7. Combine and serve: Add the drained rigatoni, the rested steak tips, and all collected meat juices into the sauce. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately, garnished heavily with fresh parsley.
For the silkiest sauce, always grate your Parmesan and Mozzarella from blocks, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Do not crowd the skillet when searing the steak tips; this prevents proper browning and leads to steaming.
The reserved pasta water is vital; its starch content helps the sauce adhere perfectly to the rigatoni.