Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This dish combines tender steak tips sautéed in rich garlic butter and creamy cheesy rigatoni pasta for an unforgettable dining experience. Not only does this recipe highlight the succulent flavors of beef, but it also brings comfort through a delightful cheese-infused pasta. Imagine sitting down to a warm plate of this delectable meal after a long day!

In this article, I will guide you through every step of creating this culinary masterpiece. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, my detailed instructions will make it easy for you to recreate this dish at home. From selecting the best ingredients to serving suggestions and storage tips, I’ve got you covered! Plus, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. So let’s dive into the world of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni!

Asking For Ingredients?

Steak Tips

For this recipe, you’ll need about 1 pound of tender sirloin steak or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces. The choice of meat is crucial as it directly impacts the tenderness and flavor of your dish. Sirloin is known for its rich taste and relatively low fat content, making it ideal for quick cooking methods like sautéing. Flank steak also works well due to its robust flavor but may require more careful handling to ensure it remains tender. Make sure to season your meat well before cooking.

Rigatoni Pasta

You will need 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta for this recipe. This tube-shaped pasta holds sauces exceptionally well and offers a satisfying bite in every forkful. Cooking your rigatoni al dente ensures that it retains its shape while mixing with the sauce later on. Feel free to substitute with other hearty pasta shapes if you prefer something different!

Garlic

Use 4 cloves of fresh garlic minced finely for maximum flavor infusion. Garlic serves as the backbone of the garlic butter sauce, adding depth and aroma to the entire dish. Fresh garlic has a vibrant taste compared to pre-minced varieties or powders. Make sure to chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into your sauce.

Unsalted Butter

For richness in flavor, you’ll need ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Unsalted butter allows you better control over the saltiness of your dish while providing that luxurious creaminess essential for any good sauce. As it melts together with garlic in the pan, it creates an irresistible base that coats both your steak tips and rigatoni.

Heavy Cream

A half cup of heavy cream helps create that luscious cheesy texture in our rigatoni dish. This ingredient adds creaminess without overpowering flavors while helping bind everything together perfectly when mixed with cheese. Opting for heavy cream rather than milk ensures that you achieve a thicker consistency.

Cheese Blend

You’ll need 1 cup each of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese for that cheesy goodness! Mozzarella adds stretchiness that everyone loves in a pasta dish while Parmesan contributes nuttiness and sharpness to enhance overall flavor profiles. Mixing these two cheeses will give you a delightful melting experience.

Let’s Make It Together!

Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Once boiling vigorously, add your 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta carefully into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking until cooked al dente according to package instructions—typically around 10-12 minutes depending on brand specifications; check often! Once done cooking, reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining the rest through a colander.

While draining your rigatoni noodles, do not rinse them as this washes away important starches necessary for binding sauces later on! Set aside both drained noodles and reserved water until needed later.

Sauté Steak Tips

In a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter until bubbling slightly—this should take about one minute tops! Add minced garlic right after ensuring butter doesn’t burn; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Now add your prepared steak tips directly into sizzling butter-garlic mixture!

Cook these delicious morsels undisturbed initially so they can sear properly; after approximately three minutes flip them over using tongs—this guarantees even cooking throughout each bite-sized piece! Continue cooking another two minutes until desired doneness is reached—medium-rare is roughly achieved at an internal temperature ranging from 130°F -135°F (54°C -57°C), depending on personal preference!

Once finished remove cooked steak from skillet onto separate plate—cover loosely using foil while keeping warm as we prepare our sauce next!

Create Creamy Sauce

Using same skillet where steaks were cooked earlier still retains all those flavorful brown bits left behind; add heavy cream slowly while stirring continuously—this helps lift those flavors off pan surface beautifully! Allow it simmer gently over medium heat without boiling; cook approximately three minutes until slightly thickened.

Now incorporate both shredded mozzarella cheese & grated Parmesan cheese gradually into creamy mixture—stirring constantly allows cheeses melt evenly throughout sauce creating mouthwatering creamy consistency! If mixture appears too thick at any point simply add reserved pasta water gradually until reaching desired texture.

Afterward mix in drained rigatoni noodles thoroughly ensuring they’re coated completely within luscious cheesy goodness then fold back sautéed steak tips gently allowing everything combine beautifully before serving immediately!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

When serving Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, presentation matters too! Consider garnishing each plate with freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top which elevates visual appeal immensely while adding extra flavor notes as well!

Pairing these delicious plates alongside crisp green salads drizzled lightly olive oil vinaigrette enhances textures wonderfully alongside rich flavors presented here too! Additionally baked garlic bread slices complement beautifully alongside creating ultimate comforting meal experience perfect families gatherings or cozy date nights alike!

FAQs

What are Garlic Butter Steak Tips?

Garlic Butter Steak Tips are bite-sized pieces of seasoned beef cooked in garlic-infused butter until perfectly tender. They offer rich flavors that pair well with various sides like cheesy rigatoni or roasted vegetables.

How do I cook Garlic Butter Steak Tips perfectly?

To achieve perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Steak Tips, use high heat in a cast iron skillet or grill pan after marinating them adequately in garlic and seasonings. Sear each side until browned while ensuring they remain juicy inside—aiming for medium-rare doneness enhances flavor!

Can I substitute rigatoni in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for alternative options aside from traditional rigatoni pasta, consider using penne or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash which provide healthier choices without sacrificing taste!

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