Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in Mozzarella Sauce

Juicy garlic butter steak tips served with cheesy rigatoni in a creamy mozzarella sauce. A comforting dinner recipe by Nora Grace.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into steak tips 1 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional) Salt and black pepper 12 oz rigatoni pasta 1 ½ cups heavy cream 1 cup whole milk 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ tsp Italian seasoning Fresh parsley, chopped Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Pat steak tips dry, season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
Step 3: Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet. Sear steak tips 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate, tent with foil.
Step 4: Lower heat, add remaining butter, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and milk, simmer 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan gradually until smooth. Season with Italian herbs, salt, pepper. Add pasta water if too thick.
Step 7: Toss rigatoni into sauce, simmer 1–2 minutes.
Step 8: Serve pasta with steak tips, drizzle pan juices, garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.

Notes

Protein swaps: Try chicken, shrimp, or portobello mushrooms. Cheese variations: Use fontina, provolone, or asiago. Make it spicier: Add Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. Vegetable boost: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peppers. Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta. Lighter version: Swap half-and-half for cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 890
Fat: 48g
Saturated fat: 22g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Protein: 37g
Carbohydrates: 68g
Fiber: 3g