If you’ve ever dreamed of that perfect steakhouse dinner, but in a form that’s weeknight-friendly and easily made at home, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is your answer. Imagine juicy, tender steak tips swirled through silky Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with golden rigatoni and savory bursts of sun-dried tomato—a showstopping combination that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. This is the recipe you’ll crave every time you want to wow your family, surprise guests, or just treat yourself to something seriously special.

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni truly shine is its clever blend of pantry staples with a few strategic splurges. These simple ingredients work hard to build layers of flavor, leaving you with a meal that’s both unfussy and unforgettable.

Strip Steaks: These provide rich, beefy flavor and stay juicy after searing, making them perfect for bite-sized steak tips.
Olive Oil: Helps get that beautiful caramelized crust on your steak, sealing in all the juices.
Butter: The backbone of the garlicky sauce—it brings the silkiness and lush flavor to the whole dish.
Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and gentle heat.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth and a subtle savory boost to the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to an ultra-luxurious, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and steak.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: For a rich, nutty bite and that signature cheesy pull in every forkful.
Rigatoni Pasta: Tubular and sturdy—perfect for catching every drop of the garlic butter sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: A touch for gentle heat and extra depth.
Oregano and Thyme: These herbs supply brightness and balance to the savory steak.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Each bite adds a tangy sweetness and chewy texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your rigatoni and cook until al dente—usually 9 to 11 minutes. Stir every so often to prevent sticking, then drain and set aside. The key to this step is not to overcook; you want your pasta tender but with enough bite to hold up to the rich sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

While the pasta cooks, pat your strip steaks dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano and thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then add the steaks. Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes, adjusting for your preferred doneness. Let your steak rest for a few moments off the heat—this keeps the juices locked in—then slice into bite-sized steak tips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In that same skillet (leave all those delicious browned bits right where they are), lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic and give it about 30 seconds for the aromas to bloom. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir, scraping up the bottom of the pan, then let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until everything thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

When your sauce is simmering gently, whisk in the Parmesan cheese by the handful—it should melt into a decadent, creamy mixture. Stir through the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a balanced heat and complex sweetness that takes this dish to the next level.

Step 5: Combine the Steak, Pasta and Sauce

Add the sliced steak tips and your cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss everyone together in that luscious sauce until all the pasta and steak are thoroughly coated and everything’s heated through. Don’t rush this step; let the flavors mingle for a couple of minutes so the rigatoni soaks up every bit of that garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon generous portions of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni onto warm plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and another shower of Parmesan if you wish. Serve immediately and get ready for smiles all around.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

This dish absolutely sings with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or basil, which adds color and a burst of freshness. A final dusting of extra Parmesan is never out of place—and if you love a little heat, crack some extra black pepper or crush more red pepper flakes over the top.

Side Dishes

Since Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is so rich, I love pairing it with something light and crisp. Think a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, or a plate of roasted asparagus or broccoli. Warm, crusty bread also makes an irresistible side for sopping up every trace of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Make this meal unforgettable by serving individual portions in shallow pasta bowls, or go family-style with a big platter for everyone to help themselves. Garnish with a few whole sun-dried tomatoes or drizzle with a little infused olive oil for an elegant touch during dinner parties. For a playful twist, serve smaller portions as part of a multi-course meal, alongside a crisp white wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), transfer them to an airtight container as soon as they cool. Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni keeps well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, and the flavors develop beautifully after resting overnight.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled pasta and steak in freezer-safe containers, separating sauce if possible for best texture. It will keep for about a month—just thaw in the fridge before reheating. The pasta may soften a bit, but it still tastes delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single portions in short bursts, stirring frequently. Either way, stir in a little fresh Parmesan before serving to revive the cheesy creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While strip steaks are tender and flavorful, you can use sirloin or ribeye for equally delicious steak tips. Just cut your steak into cubes and follow the same searing method.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Yes—you can swap in half-and-half or whole milk if you’d like a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. For dairy-free, try an unsweetened, high-fat plant-based cream.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal for the best melt and flavor, but a good-quality pre-grated cheese will still work. Skip the shelf-stable shaker-style Parmesan for this recipe if you can.

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead?

You can cook the steak and make the sauce a day in advance—store everything separately and combine just before serving. This keeps the pasta from soaking up all the sauce, so you still get that luxe creaminess.

Are sun-dried tomatoes essential?

They truly enhance the flavor and give the dish a lovely color contrast, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute roasted red peppers or leave them out. The recipe will still be wonderfully creamy and garlicky.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new comfort food classic, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply turning an ordinary weeknight into something memorable, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Tender steak tips coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over cheesy rigatoni pasta for a decadent and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Rigatoni: Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain.
Sear the Steaks: Season steaks and sear to desired doneness; let rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add broth, cream, simmer, then whisk in Parmesan.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
Combine: Toss sliced steak and rigatoni with sauce to coat and warm through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Adjust spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: steak tips, garlic butter, rigatoni pasta, Parmesan cheese, creamy sauce