If there’s one thing that turns an ordinary dinner into something you can’t stop talking about, it’s Cajun steak tips smothered in a rich, cheesy Parmesan sauce. This dish is a perfect marriage of bold spice and creamy comfort—the kind that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your family ask, “What’s for dinner?” before the plates even hit the table.
Picture this: tender bites of steak seared to perfection, nestled into al dente rigatoni, and coated in a luscious, creamy rigatoni pasta sauce that hugs every curve of those noodles. The cheesy Parmesan sauce adds a velvety finish, and that subtle Cajun heat keeps each bite exciting.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, this spicy steak pasta brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your dinner table—without the fancy price tag or the fussy cleanup.
So grab your apron, crank up your skillet, and let’s make some magic.
Why You’ll Love These Cajun Steak Tips
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Quick yet indulgent: 35 minutes from start to finish.
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Perfectly balanced: A little heat, a lot of creamy goodness.
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Weeknight hero: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
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Crowd-pleaser: Picky eaters? They’ll be too busy asking for seconds.
Creamy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, Southern twist. Tender, Cajun-seasoned steak tips are seared to perfection and tossed with al dente rigatoni in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. The result? A spicy, cheesy, and luxuriously creamy pasta dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends alike.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
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10 oz (280 g) rigatoni pasta
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
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¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
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1 tbsp (8 g) Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, divided
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Sear the Steak:
Toss steak tips with Cajun seasoning until well coated. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside. -
Cook the Pasta:
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later. -
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. -
Add the Cheese:
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add mozzarella or Fontina if desired for extra cheesiness. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch more Cajun seasoning to taste. -
Combine and Serve:
Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce, pouring in pasta water gradually to reach your desired creaminess. Fold in the steak tips and toss until everything is evenly coated. -
Finish:
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak — it needs space to brown beautifully.
Adjust Cajun spice based on preference — some blends can be saltier or hotter than others.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, luxurious sauce.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for variety.
When reheating, stir in a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450 g) steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
-
10 oz (280 g) rigatoni pasta
-
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
-
¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp (8 g) Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp (28 g) butter, divided
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Toss your steak tips with Cajun seasoning until every piece is coated in that spicy goodness. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak until browned and just cooked through—about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain, but keep about ½ cup of pasta water—this will be your secret weapon for a silky sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently as it simmers.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in Parmesan until it melts into the sauce. Add mozzarella or Fontina if you’re feeling extra cheesy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch more Cajun spice if you like things bold.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Gradually pour in pasta water until you reach your ideal creaminess. Gently fold in the steak tips. Plate hot and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Pasta
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Don’t overcrowd your pan. Let those steak tips sear, not steam. Crowding = no crust!
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Taste as you go. Cajun seasoning varies in salt and spice, so start light and build the heat to your liking.
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Reserve that pasta water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
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Freshly grated Parmesan > pre-shredded. It melts smoothly and gives that luscious restaurant-style sauce.
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Make it your own. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
And if your sauce looks a little thick? Don’t panic—just whisper sweet nothings and a splash of pasta water into it. Works every time.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This dish started as a “what ’s-left-in-the-fridge” kind of night. I had leftover steak tips and half a box of rigatoni staring at me like a challenge. I tossed in some Cajun spice (because why not?) and a splash of cream, and suddenly, it was magic.
Now, this has become my go-to dinner when I want something that feels fancy but requires zero stress. My husband calls it “the dinner that turns Mondays around,” and honestly, he’s not wrong. The smell of that buttery Cajun sear instantly makes the kitchen feel like a cozy bistro, and the first bite? Pure bliss.
What to Serve with Cajun Steak Tips Pasta
This creamy spicy steak pasta is rich, so pair it with something fresh or light on the side:
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Garlic bread – because extra carbs are self-care.
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Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
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Roasted broccoli or asparagus for a pop of color and crunch.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of chilled Chardonnay or a cold sweet tea ties it all together beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its velvety texture.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat—it can cause the cheese sauce to separate.
Pro tip: this pasta tastes even better the next day. The flavors mingle overnight like old friends catching up over coffee.
FAQs About Cajun Steak Tips Pasta
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak are all suitable options. Just don’t overcook it—tender bites make all the difference.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half or even whole milk works, though the sauce will be slightly lighter.
What if I don’t have rigatoni?
Use penne, ziti, or even fettuccine—anything that holds sauce well.
Can I make this less spicy?
Of course! Reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend. You can always sprinkle extra on individual servings.
Bring the Heat, Cream, and Comfort Together
There’s something magical about these Cajun steak tips—they’re bold, tender, and cozy all at once. When tossed with creamy rigatoni pasta in that dreamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce, every forkful feels like a small celebration.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a date-night surprise, this recipe delivers big flavor with little fuss. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—just made with heart (and maybe a little extra cheese).
So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and dig in. You’ve earned it.
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