There are few dishes more satisfying than tender, juicy garlic butter steak tips tossed in a rich, creamy rigatoni pasta. This dish combines the savory sear of steak with the luxurious feel of garlic cream sauce, all wrapped around perfectly cooked rigatoni. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or looking to impress dinner guests, this dish delivers steakhouse flavor without ever leaving your kitchen.
In this in-depth, step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to perfect Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Rigatoni—from picking the right steak to mastering the sauce. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a full kitchen experience.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Hearty & satisfying: Steak, cream, butter, and pasta—need we say more?
- Elegant comfort food: Rich enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a weeknight.
- Perfect flavor balance: Garlicky, creamy, and meaty with just enough bite.
- Easy to scale: Feed a family of four or double for a crowd.
- Customizable: Use different cuts of steak, pasta, or seasonings.
If you love a good Alfredo, steak fajitas, or creamy pasta, this recipe is your new go-to.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the key components in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Rigatoni:
For the Steak Tips:
- 1½ lbs beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: splash of beef broth or Worcestershire (non-alcoholic)
For the Creamy Rigatoni:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Shallots
🔪 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Cube the steak into even pieces (1-inch chunks).
- Mince all the garlic—don’t skimp!
- Boil water for pasta and start preheating a skillet for the steak.
2. Cook the Rigatoni
- Boil rigatoni until just al dente (firm to bite).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain and set aside with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
3. Sear the Steak Tips
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat steak tips dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Sear in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Don’t crowd the pan.
- Remove and set aside to rest.
4. Make the Garlic Butter
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Add butter and garlic to the pan.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
- Deglaze with a bit of broth or water if needed, scraping up the browned bits.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In another pan (or use the steak pan after removing garlic), melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in cream, simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Toss cooked rigatoni in the garlic cream sauce.
- Fold in steak tips and any juices.
- Mix until every piece is coated in rich, garlicky goodness.
7. Finish and Serve
- Plate and top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper.
- Serve immediately while creamy and hot!
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Want to round out your meal? Try serving this dish with:
- Garlic bread or cheese focaccia
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea
🔁 Variations and Substitutions
- Different meats: Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu if steak’s not your thing.
- Lighten it up: Use evaporated milk instead of cream and whole-wheat pasta.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make it a complete meal.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
💡 Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook steak: Medium-rare to medium is best for tenderness.
- Use fresh garlic and cheese: Avoid jarred garlic and pre-shredded Parmesan.
- Keep pasta al dente: It continues cooking in the sauce.
- Let steak rest: It helps retain juices and tenderness.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Store in airtight containers up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent drying.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutrition varies depending on exact ingredients and portions.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What cut of steak is best for steak tips?
Sirloin is great, but ribeye adds more fat and flavor. Filet is also tender but pricier.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free rigatoni and ensure your cheese and cream are certified gluten-free.
Q3: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Cook everything and store components separately. Reheat and combine just before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but cream sauces may separate. Reheat gently with added cream to restore texture.
Q5: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk works but won’t be as rich. Add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken.
Q6: Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Just reduce garlic or spice for picky eaters.
Q7: What wine-free alternative can I use to deglaze the pan?
Beef broth, water, or a splash of balsamic vinegar works beautifully.
✅ Conclusion: Creamy, Garlicky, Steak-Lover’s Dream
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Rigatoni is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a restaurant-worthy meal made easy in your own kitchen. The rich garlic butter, the tenderness of seared steak, and the silkiness of Parmesan cream sauce all come together for a dish that feels like pure indulgence.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this is comfort food with class. With these tips and tricks, your pasta nights will never be the same. Try it once, and it might just become your signature dish.