When comfort food meets elegance, you get this Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni. Imagine fork-tender steak bites seared to perfection, mingling with al dente rigatoni pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. It’s bold, rich, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any dinner table.

Perfect for weeknights when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to pull together, this dish is a game-changer. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, it’s the kind of pasta recipe that earns rave reviews. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread, and you have a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

Opt for tender cuts that cook quickly, like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts develop a flavorful crust when seared and remain juicy inside. Avoid tougher cuts unless you’re planning to marinate or slow-cook them.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked steak to the skillet along with the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together until well coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to your liking.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Pasta

Serve this rigatoni hot, straight from the skillet, topped with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. It pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies or a crisp Caesar salad.

Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even pappardelle work well with this creamy sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option.

Is it spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Feel free to skip or reduce them based on your spice preference.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Just swap the rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy garlic butter steak rigatoni, you’ll want to try these other rich and comforting pasta favorites:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a garlicky twist with juicy chicken.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta bursting with bold Italian flavors.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a creamy seafood variation.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you want hands-off comfort.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta if you love layered baked pasta.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it easily on busy weeknights.

Tried this dish? Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you swap the steak for chicken or go veggie instead? Did you sneak in extra garlic? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

For more creamy pasta ideas and everyday dinner favorites, follow along on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni is the ultimate weeknight indulgence—tender steak bites tossed with rigatoni pasta in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce. It’s savory, rich, and incredibly comforting.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes.

4. Pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently and stir in Parmesan until melted. Season as needed.

5. Return steak and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add pasta water gradually to thin the sauce if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve.