Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni: A Decadent Dinner Worth Savoring

Name: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni: A Decadent Dinner Worth Savoring
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional); Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Author: rodrigo Stone

Published: August 12, 2025

Updated: August 12, 2025

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Some dinners are made for pure indulgence—those dishes that make you slow down, take a deep breath, and truly enjoy every bite. Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is one of those meals.

This recipe combines two comfort food favorites: juicy, seared steak tips bathed in garlic butter and tender rigatoni pasta coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s rich without being overwhelming, thanks to the balance of the savory steak and the luscious pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a special family dinner, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from classic steakhouse fare—think sizzling garlic butter steaks paired with a hearty pasta side—but streamlined into a single, cohesive meal. The combination of textures and flavors is so satisfying that it just might become your new favorite “wow” dinner.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Steakhouse flavor at home – Tender, flavorful steak without the hefty restaurant bill.
Comfort food perfection – Creamy pasta meets rich garlic butter.
Customizable – Works with different cuts of beef and cheese blends.
Special yet simple – Impressive enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight treat.
One skillet + one pot – Manageable cleanup for such a decadent dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips

1 ½ lbs (680 g) sirloin tips, beef tenderloin tips, or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Cheesy Rigatoni

12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, drain the rest, and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring until smooth.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
Toss cooked rigatoni in the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen. Keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips

Pat steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce skillet heat to medium.
Add butter and let it melt, then stir in minced garlic.
Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Return steak tips to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Divide cheesy rigatoni among plates or shallow bowls.
Spoon garlic butter steak tips over the pasta.
Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet on top.
Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Use a hot skillet – This ensures a great sear on the steak.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
Choose the right cheese blend – Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for sharpness, Parmesan for depth.
Season in layers – Season the steak, the cheese sauce, and the final dish for maximum flavor.
Serve immediately – This dish is best enjoyed while the steak is hot and the pasta sauce is creamy.

Flavor Variations

Herb butter twist – Add thyme, rosemary, or chives to the garlic butter.
Blue cheese upgrade – Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the steak before serving.
Spicy kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Veggie boost – Stir sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the cheesy pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed green beans – A fresh, crisp side to balance the richness.
Garlic bread – For soaking up any leftover sauce or butter.
Simple green salad – With lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast.
Roasted asparagus – Elegant and easy to prepare alongside the main dish.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended due to dairy separation, but steak tips can be frozen separately.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 720
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Values will vary depending on portion sizes and ingredient brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes—strip steak, ribeye, or even filet mignon work beautifully.

2. Can I make the cheesy rigatoni ahead of time?
You can, but the sauce will thicken as it sits. Add a splash of milk when reheating.

3. Can I grill the steak tips instead?
Absolutely—just brush them with oil and season before grilling over high heat.

4. Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Use half-and-half instead of cream, and swap part of the cheese for nutritional yeast for a lighter sauce.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food pairing: juicy, flavorful steak and rich, creamy pasta. It’s a special-occasion-worthy recipe that’s still easy enough for a cozy weekend dinner at home.

Once you make it, you’ll see why this dish belongs in your regular meal rotation—it’s decadent, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you keep it classic or play with variations, one thing’s certain: there won’t be leftovers for long.