Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

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This Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce is the kind of indulgent dinner that satisfies both your pasta and steak cravings in one swoon-worthy bite. Juicy seared steak cubes are coated in rich, garlicky butter and paired with rigatoni pasta, which is smothered in a velvety four-cheese sauce that clings to every nook and cranny.

Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends, this recipe is all about bold flavors and creamy textures. It combines the heartiness of a steakhouse dinner with the comfort of a creamy pasta, creating a dish that’s both elegant and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

This dish brings together two dinnertime favorites: tender garlic butter steak and creamy pasta. It’s ideal for when you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and just a little bit over-the-top. The four-cheese sauce is luxurious, while the rigatoni provides the perfect texture and chew to hold up to all that richness. The garlic butter steak ties it all together with savory depth and that irresistible sear.

What Kind of Steak Works Best for This Recipe?

You want a cut of beef that’s tender but holds up well when cubed and seared. Ribeye is excellent for its marbling and flavor, while sirloin offers a leaner but still juicy bite. Filet mignon makes it extra luxurious, but even strip steak will work beautifully. The key is to not overcook the steak so it stays juicy and complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

To build the rich and satisfying flavors in this dish, each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the robust seasoning of the steak to the creamy decadence of the cheese sauce, every component matters.

• Ribeye or sirloin steak: Adds juicy, flavorful bites of beef that stand up well against the rich cheese sauce.
• Rigatoni pasta: Its ridged surface holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving you flavorful bites every time.
• Butter: Used to sear the steak and infuse it with rich, nutty notes.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and an aromatic punch to the butter sauce.
• Heavy cream: Forms the luscious base of the cheese sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add stretch and creaminess.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty depth to the sauce.
• Fontina cheese: Adds a buttery and slightly nutty flavor.
• Cream cheese: Helps thicken the sauce while contributing tang and richness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and balancing the overall flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Offers a pop of color and a hint of freshness to cut through the richness.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Once melted, add cubed steak seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked to your preferred doneness, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt additional butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add the seared steak back into the pan and toss briefly to coat.

Step 4: Prepare the Four-Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium-low heat. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it. Stir in the garlic butter steak and toss gently.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky, cheesy bite.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

A few common missteps can make or break this recipe. Avoid overcooking the steak; it’s meant to be juicy and tender, not chewy. Always sear the steak in a hot pan to lock in flavor. When making the cheese sauce, keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating. And never skip salting your pasta water – it’s your first chance to season the pasta from within.

Serving and Storing This Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

This rich and creamy dish is best served immediately while the sauce is warm and silky. It generously feeds 4 people, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing adds freshness to this rich dish.

Roasted Broccoli

The roasted, slightly bitter flavor of broccoli offers a welcome contrast to the creamy pasta.

Grilled Asparagus

Light and slightly charred asparagus complements the heaviness of the steak and cheese.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a bright, juicy side that’s quick and easy.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked with a bit of garlic butter make a seamless pairing.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These bring a tangy and caramelized flavor that lifts the dish.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

A refreshing palate cleanser to balance the dish’s richness.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy, cheesy rigatoni is your idea of comfort food bliss, you’ll love diving into these other irresistible pasta creations:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a creamy garlic twist with chicken.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta packed with bold Italian flavors and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara brings restaurant magic home with creamy pancetta-studded ravioli.
• Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken for a silky cheese sauce on pillowy pasta.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta that tastes as romantic as it sounds.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use ribeye or sirloin? Did you try extra cheese or toss in some spinach?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce is more than just a pasta dish – it’s a full-on flavor experience. With tender bites of steak, luscious cheese sauce, and garlicky richness in every mouthful, it’s a recipe that turns ordinary nights into something memorable. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or to impress guests, it’s a showstopper that delivers every single time.

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