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–+ servings

Cajun Steak Tips with Parmesan Rigatoni

A quick and bold dish featuring spicy steak tips and creamy Parmesan rigatoni that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Steak and Seasoning
  • 1 pound steak tips Any quick-cooking cut like sirloin tips or skirt steak can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Store-bought or homemade; adjust quantity to taste.
  • Salt to taste Salt For seasoning steak.
  • Pepper to taste Pepper For seasoning steak.
Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta Can be substituted with penne or ziti.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter sauce, mix 3/4 cup half-and-half plus 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for best melting.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing steak.
  • Chopped parsley for garnish Chopped parsley Adds freshness to the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat steak tips dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, plus salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer, do not overcrowd.
  3. Sear the steak until browned on both sides and cooked to your liking. Transfer steak to a plate and let rest for a few minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a splash of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
  1. Pour the heavy cream into the same pot over low heat. Warm gently until it begins to simmer, do not boil.
  2. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked rigatoni and seared steak tips to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped parsley for brightness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Best enjoyed when fresh. To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk as needed to restore sauce consistency.

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