If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, creamy comfort, and a little kick of spice, then this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender, spicy steak bites and a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of rigatoni perfectly. Trust me, once you try this, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice to complement the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: From start to finish, it comes together in about 35 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
Comfort Food Upgrade: Rigatoni soaked in a hearty, cheesy sauce with juicy steak bites makes for an irresistible dish.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat or swap cheeses to make it your own.

A white bowl filled with three layers of food. The bottom layer is creamy rigatoni pasta with a light yellow color and smooth texture. On top of the pasta, there are browned pieces of beef, roughly shaped and seared with a crispy outer surface and dark brown color. The whole dish is sprinkled with grated cheese that looks white and fine, along with small, bright green parsley leaves scattered evenly for a fresh look. The bowl sits on a wooden table with blurred neutral kitchen background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni recipe, spicy steak pasta, easy Cajun dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s both creamy and zesty. I always recommend using fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melt and authentic flavor, and picking a good-quality steak ensures those tips stay juicy and tender.

Flat lay of fresh sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes, dry Cajun seasoning sprinkled beside the steak, a small pile of uncooked rigatoni pasta, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with creamy heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl containing a pat of unsalted butter, a small heap of coarse sea salt, and a few whole black peppercorns, all neatly arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, Cajun steak tips, cheesy rigatoni recipe, spicy steak pasta, easy Cajun dinner

Sirloin or ribeye steak: Choose a good cut with some marbling for juicy, tender steak tips that hold up during searing.
Rigatoni pasta: Its tube shape is perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
Cajun seasoning: Adds warmth and spice — adjust the amount based on how much heat you like.
Unsalted butter: Divided use adds richness both for searing and in the sauce.
Olive oil: Helps create a nice sear without burning the butter.
Garlic: Freshly minced for pungent, aromatic flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: Gives the sauce a silky, indulgent texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Use for extra creaminess and gooeyness in the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat or swap out cheeses, it’s all about making this your own delicious creation.

Spicy Boost: When I crave more heat, I add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the steak before searing—your taste buds will thank you.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve swapped out the cream and cheese for coconut cream and dairy-free cheese to accommodate a friend’s dietary needs, and it still came out creamy and satisfying.
Veggie Addition: Sometimes I toss in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to amp up the veggie content without losing any of the flavors.
Cheese Changes: For a sharper taste, try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan, or add a sprinkle of smoked Gouda for a smoky twist.

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak

First things first: pat your steak cubes dry with a paper towel—this is key to getting a great sear instead of steaming the meat. Then toss them with the Cajun seasoning until they’re evenly coated. Heat a skillet with olive oil and half the butter over medium-high heat, and sear the steak tips for about 2-3 minutes per side until you get a beautiful brown crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want that caramelization which really locks in the juices. Once done, set the steak aside and keep those flavorful browned bits in the pan—they’re gold for the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

While the steak rests, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. I always reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s a little secret to help you adjust the sauce’s texture perfectly later on.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet where you seared the steak, melt the remaining butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds to a minute—you don’t want it to burn). Pour in the heavy cream, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all those tasty browned bits from the steak—they add so much flavor here. Watch it come together, then gradually stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella if you’re using it. The sauce will thicken and turn incredibly smooth as the cheeses melt. If it gets too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you hit the consistency you love.

Step 4: Toss, Taste, and Serve

Return the steak tips to the pan along with the drained rigatoni, and toss everything gently to coat every piece in the cheesy, spicy sauce. Give it a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed. That’s it—you’re ready to dig into some seriously good comfort food that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Dry Steak Cubes Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that if your steak is damp, it won’t brown properly—patting dry is critical for a great sear.
Reserve Pasta Water: Saving some pasta water is a game-changer; I use it to loosen the sauce so it clings just right to the rigatoni without being too runny.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce grainy; fresh Parmesan makes all the difference.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: Cook steak tips quickly over high heat; overcooking makes them tough, and you want that juicy bite with every forkful.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A dash of extra Parmesan on top never hurts either—gives it that little elevated touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe is rich and filling on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly to cut through the creaminess, or some roasted asparagus for a green veggie contrast. Garlic bread also makes a delicious accompaniment if you’re feeling indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in shallow individual bowls with steak tips artfully arranged on top and a drizzle of extra sauce. Adding a few roasted cherry tomatoes on the side adds vibrant color and freshness that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the pasta and steak together so the flavors continue to meld overnight, although the sauce might thicken a bit.

Freezing

Freezing works too, but I prefer freezing the steak tips and pasta separately if possible, especially if you want to maintain the best texture. If frozen together, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid separation.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Using the stovetop rather than the microwave keeps the creamy texture silky and doesn’t dry out the steak.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, you can substitute other short pasta like penne, ziti, or even shells depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time so it stays al dente.
How spicy is this Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use—start with one tablespoon as the recipe suggests, then add more if you want it spicier. You can also choose a milder Cajun blend if you prefer less heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the steak tips and pasta separately and assemble the dish quickly when ready to eat. This helps maintain the best texture, and you can reheat gently on the stove with a little extra cream or milk.
What if I don’t have heavy cream—can I substitute it?

While heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture, you can substitute half-and-half or a combo of milk and butter in a pinch. The sauce won’t be quite as thick or indulgent but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals, especially when I want to impress with minimal effort. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of those bold Cajun spices that keep things interesting. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, give this a try—I promise you’ll love how it turns out and be making it on repeat.