. Feel free to explore it for more details! To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, carefully add 8 ounces of rigatoni pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta, but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take 1 pound of sirloin steak and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper for flavor. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they reach your desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves along with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Sauté this mixture for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a slight simmer. Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. If your sauce is too thick, mix in a little of the reserved pasta water. Finally, it’s time to combine everything. Add the drained rigatoni and the seared steak back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss them together until the rigatoni is fully coated in sauce. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. These steps will guide you to a delicious Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. For more details, check the Full Recipe. For great steak tips, timing is key. Here are some ideal cooking times for doneness levels: - Rare: 2-3 minutes per side - Medium-rare: 3-4 minutes per side - Medium: 4-5 minutes per side - Well-done: 6-7 minutes per side Letting your steak rest for five minutes helps keep it juicy. This step allows the juices to redistribute, so every bite is tender and full of flavor. To avoid clumps in your cheese sauce, always use room temperature cheese. This helps it melt evenly. Stir the cheese in gradually while the sauce simmers. If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This not only thins the sauce but also helps it cling to the rigatoni. To elevate the dish, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano. A pinch of smoked paprika can add warmth. For side dishes, a crisp salad or roasted vegetables pair well with garlic butter steak tips and cheesy rigatoni. They add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the meal. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out steak for chicken or shrimp. Chicken breast works well; just slice it into cubes. Cook the chicken in the same way as the steak. For shrimp, use large shrimp and sauté them for just a few minutes until they turn pink. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, try using mushrooms or tofu. Portobello mushrooms add a hearty texture. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well and is great when marinated. Both options make this dish delicious and satisfying. While rigatoni is a great choice, you can use other pasta types. Penne or fusilli are good alternatives that hold sauce nicely. If you want a lighter pasta, try zoodles made from zucchini. They add a fresh crunch. For gluten-free options, look for pasta made from rice or chickpeas. These options are tasty and maintain a nice bite. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results. Cheese is key to the creamy sauce. While sharp cheddar and Parmesan shine in this dish, you can mix it up. Try using gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor. Each cheese adds its own twist to the taste. If you need a dairy-free option, many brands offer plant-based cheeses. Look for those that melt well so you can enjoy the same creamy texture. This way, everyone can dig in and enjoy! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe link. Store your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. For best results, use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly. These containers prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using a microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water. Heat it gently on low. Stir often to keep the pasta creamy. Avoid high heat to prevent burning or drying out. Yes, you can freeze garlic butter steak tips! However, the cream sauce may change texture once thawed. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently to restore creaminess. Enjoy your tasty dish even after freezing! You can use olive oil or ghee instead of butter. These fats work well with steak and add rich flavor. If you want a unique twist, try avocado oil. It has a mild taste and high smoke point. You might also want to adjust the garlic amount, as some oils can change the flavor slightly. Yes, you can prep many parts in advance. Cook the rigatoni and steak tips, then store them separately. This keeps them fresh. You can also make the cheese sauce ahead. Just store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat everything gently. Use low heat to avoid burning. Adding a splash of cream can help maintain the sauce's creaminess. Salads are a great choice. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette pairs nicely. Roasted vegetables also complement the dish well. For a heartier meal, serve garlic bread or a crusty baguette. These options soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add texture to your plate. For the complete recipe and detailed steps, check out the [Full Recipe](#). In this article, I shared a delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting each element. Whether you're a meat lover or prefer alternative proteins, this dish can adapt to your tastes. Remember to store leftovers correctly to enjoy them later. I hope these ideas inspire your next meal and make cooking fun and easy. Enjoy creating this tasty dish!](https://themomdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/f1cbae9f-0b00-4c0c-9c52-eec4981729db-300x300.webp)
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Elevate your dinner game with Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni! This mouthwatering dish combines tender steak with creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a flavor explosion that everyone will love. With easy-to-follow steps and a few simple ingredients, impress your family and friends without the stress. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to serve up something special tonight!