There are pasta nights, and then there are pasta nights. The kind where every bite is silky, savory, and sends your tastebuds on a creamy adventure. Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is that dish. Rich, luscious sauce wraps around al dente pasta, and every forkful is paired with tender, flavor-loaded Cajun steak bites. It’s indulgent, comforting, and layered with enough complexity to make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.

The Cajun-spiced steak tips bring smoky heat that balances the creamy garlic-butter base. When these bite-sized steaks sear up with a slight char, they deliver a burst of flavor that contrasts perfectly with the mellow, nutty Parmesan sauce. And the rigatoni? It holds onto every drop of that sauce, giving you creamy satisfaction in each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something rich and hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It comes together in under an hour, yet tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. It’s a showstopper for date night, a hit at dinner parties, and a weeknight winner when you want to treat yourself without the hassle.

The real magic is in the contrast: bold Cajun spice meets creamy Parmesan garlic butter. It’s this balance that elevates it from a good meal to a memorable one. And once you make it, you’ll likely find yourself returning to this recipe anytime you need a cozy meal with serious flavor payoff.

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Cajun Steak Tips?

For the best results, go with sirloin or ribeye. Sirloin is leaner and cooks quickly while still staying tender, which makes it ideal for bite-sized steak tips. Ribeye, on the other hand, has a bit more marbling, adding extra juiciness and richness to each bite. Just be sure to cut the steak into uniform pieces for even cooking, and let them rest before serving to lock in all the juices. If you’re looking to splurge a little, filet mignon will give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients for the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

To create a truly flavorful dish, every component matters. The boldness of the Cajun seasoning, the richness of the Parmesan cream, and the heartiness of the rigatoni all work in harmony. Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients will make each bite more delicious and satisfying.

Rigatoni
Sirloin or ribeye steak
Cajun seasoning
Butter
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley

Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips 2

How To Make the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Step 1: Sear the Cajun Steak Tips

Season your steak pieces generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak tips on all sides until they form a crust and are cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

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

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet used for the steak, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Plate the creamy pasta and top with the rested Cajun steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

A dish as bold and creamy as this deserves a little attention to detail. One common pitfall is overcooking the steak tips—aim for a nice sear on the outside while keeping the center juicy. Letting the meat rest before slicing will also preserve its tenderness.

Another mistake is skipping the pasta water. This starchy liquid is the secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency without thinning out the flavor. Also, be careful not to overboil the cream—a gentle simmer is key to maintaining its silky texture.

Lastly, don’t rush the cheese. Adding Parmesan too early or over high heat can cause clumping. Stir it in slowly once the sauce is warm but not boiling.

How to Serve and Store This Recipe

This recipe serves about 4 hungry adults, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering. Serve the pasta piping hot, right after tossing with the sauce, and make sure to spoon over any extra Cajun steak juices for added flavor.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce. It’s best to reheat over low heat on the stovetop rather than microwaving, to keep everything creamy and tender.

What to Serve With Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips?

Garlic Bread

The crisp, buttery crunch of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that velvety sauce.

Caesar Salad

A chilled Caesar salad with crunchy romaine and tangy dressing adds brightness to this rich main dish.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly seasoned and roasted asparagus adds a touch of green and a pleasant bite.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms bring another layer of umami that works beautifully with steak and cream.

Caprese Skewers

These fresh, bite-sized skewers with tomato, basil, and mozzarella cut through the richness in the most delightful way.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges and tangy glaze balance out the creamy sauce beautifully.

Red Wine

If you’re sipping while eating, a glass of dry red wine pairs wonderfully with both the creamy sauce and Cajun spice.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Creamy Twist?

If you’re a fan of this Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips, you might want to explore these other delicious pasta creations:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach

• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo

• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

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 go heavy on the Cajun seasoning or keep it mild? Did you pair it with red wine or a crunchy salad?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Ask away if you have questions—we’re here to help each other cook better, eat happier.

Explore beautifully curated creamy comfort meals and much more on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next dinner favorite!

Conclusion

Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips is the perfect marriage of bold flavor and creamy comfort. From the sizzling Cajun steak to the garlicky, cheesy cream that hugs every pasta bite, this dish is built to impress and made to satisfy. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to make it a regular star in your dinner lineup.

Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips

What Cut of Steak Should I Use for Cajun Steak Tips?

Ingredients for the Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Parmesan Cream Sauce with Cajun Steak Tips