What cut of steak is best for steak tips in this dish?

Sirloin or tenderloin are excellent choices for steak tips, offering both flavor and tenderness. Top sirloin is generally a more affordable option, while tenderloin provides a more melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rigatoni?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other tube-shaped pasta like penne, ziti, or cavatappi. Choose a pasta with ridges to better hold the cheesy sauce.

What can I use if I don't have Cajun seasoning?

If you don't have pre-made Cajun seasoning, you can create your own blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.

How can I make the cheesy sauce creamier?

For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. You can also incorporate a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone for added richness and texture.

Can I prepare the steak tips and cheesy rigatoni separately and combine them later?

Yes, you can cook the steak tips and rigatoni separately and combine them just before serving. This is a great option if you're prepping ahead of time. Store each component separately in the refrigerator.

What vegetables pair well with Cajun Steak Tips and Cheesy Rigatoni?

Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or asparagus make a great side dish. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing also complements the richness of the dish.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe 2026

Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb rigatoni pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; 0.5 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk, warmed; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

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A vibrant fusion dish where bold Cajun-spiced steak tips meet a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce coating al dente rigatoni. This one-pot wonder is pure comfort food with a kick, perfect for turning a regular weeknight into a special occasion.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 45min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
0.5 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Pat steak cubes dry and toss with Cajun seasoning (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper).
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high. Sear steak in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove to a plate.
Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and bell peppers for 5-6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the skillet with veggies, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
Add drained pasta, seared steak, and any juices back to the skillet. Gently fold everything together and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a smooth sauce, use freshly grated cheese. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. The pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, so boil it just to al dente. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 720
Sugar: 10
Sodium: 950
Fat: 38
Saturated Fat: 18
Unsaturated Fat: 15
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 68
Fiber: 4
Protein: 48
Cholesterol: 145

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/cajun-steak-tips-cheesy-rigatoni-parmesan-sauce/