Description
Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Steak is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender steak seared in garlic-infused butter paired with rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Steak & Seasoning
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or preferred cut)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Cook the steak: Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side or until it reaches your preferred doneness. Remove the steak and let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
- Add the cheese: Gradually mix in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Combine pasta and steak: Return rigatoni to the pan, tossing it in the cheesy garlic butter sauce until well coated. Gently fold in the sliced steak and fresh herbs, giving everything a final toss for even distribution.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy rigatoni topped with garlic butter steak slices, garnish as desired, and indulge while hot.
Notes
- Use quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and imparts richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Let steak rest: Resting the steak after cooking keeps juices locked in for tender, juicy bites.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Cook rigatoni just until al dente to avoid mushy noodles once combined with sauce.
- Garlic caution: Avoid burning garlic by sautéing on medium heat until just fragrant for mellow, rich flavor.
- Fresh herbs finish: Add herbs last to preserve their bright color and fresh aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: cheesy rigatoni, garlic butter steak, creamy pasta, steak dinner, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, Italian-American cuisine