Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Introduction

Craving something rich, hearty, and completely satisfying? This Easy Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe brings together the bold, savory flavor of tender steak bites with the creamy indulgence of cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something comforting yet a bit luxurious.

This recipe combines classic steakhouse vibes with the heartwarming comfort of Italian pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers both flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

Easy Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Dish?

It’s indulgent and satisfying – The combination of tender steak and creamy pasta is a dream team for comfort food lovers.
Easy to prepare – Simple steps with restaurant-level results.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests on special nights.
Versatile – You can use different cheeses or pasta shapes to mix it up.

Where Did It Originate?

This dish draws inspiration from American steakhouse classics and Italian pasta comfort food. While not a traditional Italian recipe, it reflects a delicious fusion of two beloved culinary cultures: grilled steak and creamy pasta. It’s a creation born from comfort food evolution—likely becoming popular in home kitchens and modern bistros alike.

Ingredients

For the Steak Tips:

1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked rigatoni and stir to coat.

Step 3: Prepare the Steak Tips

Season steak tips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces and sear each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness (about 3-4 minutes). Remove steak from skillet.

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Return steak tips to the pan and toss in garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with sizzling garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with extra parmesan or parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips

Don’t overcook the steak – Sear just until browned; overcooking will make it tough. Aim for medium or medium-rare for juicy bites.
Let the steak rest – After searing, rest the steak for a few minutes before tossing it in the garlic butter.
Use quality cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded options.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Crowding the pan – Cook the steak in batches if needed to get a good sear.
Not whisking the cheese sauce – Stir constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Using lean cuts – Sirloin or ribeye offers the best balance of flavor and tenderness for steak tips.

Serving Tips

Serve with a side salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
Add roasted veggies – Try it with roasted asparagus or garlic broccoli.
Top with extra cheese – Broil the dish for a few minutes after assembling for a golden, cheesy crust.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Sirloin steak – A great source of high-quality protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Garlic – Boosts immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cheese – Provides calcium, protein, and healthy fats.
Milk – A source of essential nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus.
Pasta – Offers complex carbs that provide lasting energy.

Interesting Facts

Garlic butter steak tips are often served at steakhouses as a more affordable alternative to filet mignon—same rich flavor, smaller portions.
Rigatoni pasta comes from Italy and is designed to hold thick sauces thanks to its ridged surface and large tubes.
Cheese sauce variations have been around for centuries—one of the earliest versions appears in medieval English cookbooks.