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Cajun Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

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A bold and easy one-skillet pasta dish featuring tender Cajun steak tips mixed with creamy rigatoni.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Cajun-seasoned steak tips, or 1 lb trimmed beef sirloin tips plus 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta (substitute penne or ziti if needed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (half and half can work but the sauce will be less rich)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente per package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips in a single layer. Let them sear without moving for 2 to 3 minutes to form a brown crust. Stir and continue cooking until the steak reaches your desired doneness, then remove the meat from the skillet briefly to rest.
  3. Turn the heat down to low. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  4. Return the rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently so each piece is coated with the sauce and steak juices. Warm everything together for about 1 minute so flavors meld.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if you want extra heat. Plate while hot and garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap half the cream for low-fat milk; add cheese slowly to prevent graininess. If using plain sirloin, let it rest with Cajun seasoning for better flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/cajun-steak-tips-cheesy-rigatoni-4/