Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together tender, juicy steak bites sizzling in a rich garlic butter sauce alongside creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. The steak tips are packed with flavor from the garlic butter, while the rigatoni soaks up all that cheesy goodness, making every bite comforting and delicious.
I love making this meal when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter adds such a lovely richness to the steak, and the cheesy rigatoni is the perfect partner—warm, gooey, and filling. It’s one of those dishes that’s quick to whip up but makes you feel like you’re enjoying something a little fancy at home.
My favorite way to serve it is with a simple side salad or some steamed green veggies to balance out all that richness. It’s the perfect dinner when you want hearty comfort food without a ton of fuss. I’d bet that once you try these steak tips paired with cheesy rigatoni, it’ll become a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak Tips: Sirloin is tender and flavorful, perfect for quick cooking. If you can’t find steak tips, use sirloin steak cut into cubes or even flank steak. Just avoid tougher cuts that need long cooking.
Butter & Garlic: Butter gives richness, and lots of fresh garlic boosts flavor here. If you want to swap butter, olive oil or ghee work, but butter’s creamy taste really shines in this dish.
Rigatoni Pasta: Rigatoni holds sauce well in its tubes, but you can swap with penne, ziti, or other tubular pasta. Just pick something that catches the cheese sauce nicely.
Cheeses: Mozzarella melts beautifully for gooeyness, while Parmesan adds sharp nutty flavor. You can add or swap with fontina or cheddar for different twists.
How Do You Get Perfectly Seared Steak Tips That Stay Tender?
Getting a great sear on steak tips means high heat and no crowding. Make sure your steak pieces are dry before seasoning – moisture blocks browning. Sear the steak in batches if the pan is crowded.
- Heat oil in a skillet until shimmering over medium-high heat.
- Put steak pieces in a single layer—don’t move them while they brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from pan as soon as browned to keep them juicy and tender.
- Use the same skillet for garlic butter to capture all the browned bits for flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I prefer this because it sears the steak nicely and lets you toss everything in one pan.
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the rigatoni until perfectly al dente.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring and tossing the pasta and steak ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of cheese, cream, and seasonings.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic, parsley, and steak into even pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use flap steak or ribeye instead of sirloin for a more marbled, tender steak.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cheese sauce for extra veggies and flavor.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese for different cheesy flavors.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Tips:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips or sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes total. It’s pretty quick: 10 minutes to prep and cook the rigatoni pasta, then about 15 minutes to sear the steak tips and make the creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner that doesn’t keep you long in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni Pasta:
Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10 minutes, until al dente (still a little firm). Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Sear the Steak Tips:
Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels—that helps them brown better. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer, giving them enough room so they don’t crowd the pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned but still juicy inside. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce for Steak:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell the garlic’s wonderful aroma. Add the cooked steak tips back into the pan and stir everything together so the steak is coated with the garlic butter. Cook for about a minute more, then remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce:
In another large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Turn the heat low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce:
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the cheese sauce and toss well so every piece of pasta is covered in creamy cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out the cheesy rigatoni onto plates or a big serving dish. Top with the garlicky steak tips. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese on top if you want a bright, fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Steak Tips for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the steak tips in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat them dry well to get a good sear and avoid steaming.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the steak and pasta separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or butter to refresh the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses for Mozzarella and Parmesan?
Sure! Cheeses like fontina, gouda, or cheddar can work well for a different flavor profile. Just choose cheeses that melt smoothly to keep that creamy texture.
