Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a hearty and delicious meal that brings together tender, juicy pieces of steak cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with rigatoni pasta smothered in melted cheese. The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese makes every bite feel special and comforting.
I love making this dish when I want something that’s both easy and impressive. The steak cooks quickly and stays juicy thanks to the butter and garlic, and the cheesy rigatoni is always a hit with everyone at the table. I find that adding just the right amount of garlic really gives it a flavorful kick without overpowering the meal.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this recipe is with a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness. It’s a great dinner for busy weeknights or for when friends drop by because it comes together fast but still feels like a treat. Whenever I make this, the smell of garlic and butter fills the kitchen, and that always makes me smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak Tips: Sirloin is great for tender, juicy bites. If sirloin isn’t available, try ribeye or flank steak. Just cut into small cubes for quick cooking. If you want a leaner option, try sirloin tip or even chicken thighs.
Butter & Garlic: Butter gives a rich base and garlic adds flavor magic here. You can swap butter for olive oil if you want a lighter dish. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Rigatoni & Cheese Sauce: Rigatoni holds sauce well, but penne or ziti are great substitutes. Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for both sharpness and meltiness. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheeses and a plant-based cream.
How Can I Cook Tender Steak Tips Without Overcooking?
Steak tips can toughen if cooked too long. Here’s how to keep them juicy and flavorful:
- Pat steak dry before seasoning. It helps brown better.
- Use medium-high heat for a good sear, but don’t leave pieces crowded in the pan.
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust time if cubes are bigger or smaller.
- Lower heat before adding butter and garlic to avoid burning the flavors.
- Toss steak tips gently in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly without breaking the meat.
Following these tips, you’ll get steak cubes with a beautiful crust and tender inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I like it because it makes cooking the pasta quick and easy.
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect for searing the steak tips and making the garlic butter sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – let’s you stir the cheese sauce and toss the pasta without scratching.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps keep ingredients just right, especially with multiple cheeses and seasonings.
- Kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon – handy for turning steak cubes and serving the pasta.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different proteins: Swap steak tips for chicken breast, shrimp, or sausage for variety and different textures.
- Cheese options: Mix in provolone, ricotta, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for added flavor and color.
- Herb swaps: Fresh basil or oregano can replace parsley, giving the dish a different aromatic touch.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Tips:
- 1 lb sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so plan for roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that comes together easily on busy nights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and steak.
2. Make the Cheesy Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Keep warm on low heat.
3. Cook the Steak Tips:
Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the steak pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness (medium-rare to medium works well).
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves (if using) to the pan with the steak. Toss the steak tips in the garlic butter until coated and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Divide the cheesy rigatoni onto plates or into bowls. Top each serving with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Steak Tips for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the steak tips completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps get a nice sear.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheesy rigatoni and steak tips separately a few hours in advance. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of cream and warm the steak tips in a skillet with some garlic butter to refresh the flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. It won’t be quite as rich but still creamy and tasty.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the rigatoni slowly on the stove to prevent curdling and the steak tips in a pan with a little butter to maintain juiciness.
