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Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

A hearty Cajun steak pasta recipe made with tender steak tips, creamy parmesan sauce, and rigatoni for an easy family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs sirloin steak tips cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp lemon juice optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Toss steak pieces with Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and sear steak tips for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Remove steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic to the same pan. Cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add broth and cream, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. If too thin, simmer 1 to 2 more minutes.
  9. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
  10. Add rigatoni and steak tips back to the pan.
  11. Toss everything to coat evenly and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
  12. Taste before adding extra salt.
  13. Add lemon juice at the end if desired.
  14. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread and arugula salad. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream. Lemon juice brightens the richness of the parmesan sauce.