Cozy Homemade Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Sink your teeth into tender Cajun-spiced steak tips paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a perfect blend of savory and comforting flavors.
Equipment
- large skillet or cast-iron pan
- large pot
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk)
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- Fresh parsley, chopped optional
Instructions
Prepare the Steak Tips
- Pat the sirloin pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the steak with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Steak
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. Remove the steak and set aside.
Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Build the Sauce
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly (3-5 minutes).
Add the Cheese
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Combine
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat. Gently fold in the rested Cajun steak tips.
Serve
- Divide into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, marinate the steak tips for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before cooking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mix. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for the sauce, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, to customize the flavor. When cooking the steak, a cast-iron pan will give the best sear and form delicious browned bits that will enhance the cheese sauce. Be careful not to overcook the steak tips to keep them tender and juicy. The reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency, so don't forget to save it!