Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite meals: garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni! The moment you take that first bite, the rich, buttery flavor dances on your tongue, and the garlicky aroma fills the kitchen in the best way possible. It reminds me of cozy dinners with friends and family, when laughter and satisfaction fill the air. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was trying to impress a friend with my cooking skills, and let’s just say, it was a hit! The tender steak tips paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound steak tips
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces rigatoni
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Let’s get cooking! This dish is as simple as it is delicious, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a mouthwatering meal in no time!
Cooking the Rigatoni
First, grab a large pot and fill it with water—don’t forget to add a generous pinch of salt! Bring that baby to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but save a splash of that pasta water just in case you need to loosen up the cheesy sauce later!
Preparing the Garlic Butter Steak Tips
While the rigatoni is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s nice and bubbly. Oh, the smell of melting butter is heavenly! Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Now, add the steak tips, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your steak. I personally love it medium-rare, which means an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes while you whip up the sauce.
Making the Cheesy Sauce
In that same skillet (because who wants to wash extra dishes?), pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheese until it melts beautifully into a creamy sauce. If it feels a bit thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency. Keep stirring until it’s all smooth and gooey—you’ll want to dive right in!
Combining and Serving
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Mix the cooked rigatoni into the cheesy sauce until every piece is coated. Then, plate it up and serve those juicy garlic butter steak tips right on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness! Trust me, this dish is just begging to be devoured.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portions you use, but it’s a good guideline to follow:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
These hearty steak tips and cheesy rigatoni really pack a punch in flavor and satisfaction, making every bite count! Enjoy this delicious dish without the guilt, knowing you’re treating yourself to a well-rounded meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, buttery flavors of garlic that elevate the steak tips to heavenly levels.
- Creamy, cheesy rigatoni that complements the savory steak beautifully.
- A satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Versatile dish—swap out cheeses or steak cuts based on your preferences!
- Comfort food at its finest, filling and cozy for any occasion.
- Leftovers taste amazing, making it great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up this delicious dish, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Choose Your Steak Wisely: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of steak! Tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin work beautifully, but you can also use flank steak for a more budget-friendly option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.
- Garlic Lovers Unite: If you’re a big fan of garlic (like me!), feel free to increase the amount—go for 5 or even 6 cloves! Just keep an eye on it while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Cheese Choices: While I love using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for that melty goodness, you can switch it up! Try gouda for a smoky flavor or parmesan for a sharper bite. Mix and match until you find your perfect combo!
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Season the steak tips generously before cooking to enhance their flavor. A touch of smoked paprika or cayenne can also add a delightful kick!
- Rest Your Meat: After cooking, let your steak tips rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
- Pasta Water Magic: Remember that reserved pasta water? It’s liquid gold! Adding a splash to your cheese sauce not only helps with consistency but also gives it that beautiful starchy flavor that clings to the rigatoni.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Take your time when melting the cheese into the cream. Stir gently and patiently—it’ll reward you with a luxuriously smooth sauce!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni! Here are some of my favorite variations that you might want to try:
- Cheese Swap: Instead of the classic cheddar and mozzarella, go for a creamy blue cheese for a more robust flavor, or try a pepper jack if you fancy a little heat! Even a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone and fontina can take your dish to the next level.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can bring a delightful freshness to the dish! Toss in some chopped fresh basil or thyme along with the parsley for an aromatic twist. You could even add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the cheese sauce for an herby flavor explosion!
- Veggie Boost: Want to sneak some veggies into the mix? Sauté some spinach or kale along with the garlic for a pop of green, or add roasted bell peppers for a sweet touch. You could also toss in some steamed broccoli or peas with the rigatoni for extra color and nutrients!
- Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the steak or mix in a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. A little kick can really elevate the overall flavor!
- Different Pasta Shapes: Rigatoni is wonderful, but don’t be afraid to try other pasta shapes! Penne or fusilli would be fantastic too. You could even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly option!
- Steak Marinade: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate your steak tips in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of lemon juice for about an hour before cooking. It’ll make them even more tender and flavorful!
With these variations, you can make this dish your own and keep it exciting every time you whip it up. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you can believe it!). Here’s how to store and reheat them so each bite is just as tasty as the first.
First things first, let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent any weird fridge smells from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just be sure to label it if you’re feeling organized!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just place the leftover rigatoni and steak tips in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or a little more cream to keep it from drying out. Stir gently until everything is warmed through and the cheese sauce is nice and creamy again. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in—just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your fabulous meal all over again, making every bite just as scrumptious as the first. Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using steak tips for their tenderness, you can definitely swap them out for ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut you choose!
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit less rich, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make the cheesy sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesy sauce ahead of time! Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop and add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring it back to that creamy consistency.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to add a bit of heat, try sprinkling in some red pepper flakes when cooking the steak or mix a few dashes of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. It’ll give your garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni a nice kick!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free rigatoni and check that your steak and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. You’ll still get to enjoy all those amazing flavors without any worries!
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Garlic butter steak tips served with cheesy rigatoni.
Składniki
- 1 pound steak tips
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces rigatoni
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instrukcje
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add steak tips, salt, and pepper. Cook until desired doneness.
- In a separate pan, combine heavy cream and cheese. Stir until melted.
- Mix rigatoni with cheese sauce.
- Serve steak tips over rigatoni and garnish with parsley.
Uwagi
- Use your favorite steak cut.
- Adjust garlic amount to taste.
- Any cheese can be used for the sauce.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 600
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 40g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 20g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Słowa kluczowe: garlic butter steak tips, cheesy rigatoni, steak dinner
