Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This dish brings together juicy, tender steak tips bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with creamy, cheesy rigatoni for a comforting and flavor-packed meal. It’s a satisfying combination of savory steak and pasta that hits all the right notes for a hearty dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simple ingredients to create something that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy. The steak tips are seared to perfection, coated in garlic butter that adds a delicious richness, while the cheesy rigatoni delivers the perfect creamy complement. It’s a great way to treat myself or impress guests without needing anything fancy or complicated. Plus, it’s easy to adapt depending on the cheese or cut of steak I have on hand.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Steak tips (sirloin or ribeye work well)

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Italian seasoning

• Rigatoni pasta

• Heavy cream

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

1. I start by cooking the rigatoni according to the package instructions, draining it and setting it aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I season the steak tips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak tips for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to my liking. Then I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

4. In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

6. I add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.

7. Finally, I return the steak tips to the skillet and spoon some of the garlic butter over them, letting everything heat through for a minute or two.

8. I garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes total to prepare—20 minutes for cooking and 10 minutes for prep. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for a special occasion.

Variations

I sometimes swap the rigatoni with penne or fusilli if that’s what I have in the pantry. For a spicy kick, I like to add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. And if I want to lighten it up, I might use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or go for a leaner cut of beef like sirloin tips. Using different cheese combos—like fontina or provolone—can also switch up the flavor.

storage/reheating

To store leftovers, I keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but I do it in short intervals and stir in between to keep the pasta creamy and the steak from drying out.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for steak tips?

I like using sirloin or ribeye for the best combination of tenderness and flavor. They sear well and stay juicy in the garlic butter.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often cook the steak tips and pasta ahead and store them separately. When I’m ready to eat, I just reheat everything with the cheese sauce.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

I prefer grating my own cheese because it melts better, but pre-shredded cheese can work in a pinch. Just be aware it might make the sauce a little less smooth.

How do I keep the steak tips tender?

I avoid overcooking and always sear them over high heat for just a few minutes per side. Letting them rest for a couple of minutes before adding them back into the skillet also helps lock in juices.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but I can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up if I’m in the mood for heat.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is one of my favorite go-to comfort meals. It brings together bold flavors and creamy textures in a way that feels indulgent but is actually really simple to prepare. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, it always hits the spot.