Description
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni recipe. Perfectly seared ribeye steak seasoned with spicy Cajun spices, paired with rigatoni pasta tossed in a luscious creamy garlic and cheese sauce. This quick 30-minute dish is an impressive, comforting meal ideal for a cozy dinner for two.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 1 lb ribeye steak
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided: 2 tbsp for garlic, 1 tbsp for sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (divided: 2 tbsp for sauce, extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A touch of Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Generously season the ribeye steak on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse robust flavor into the meat.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Once hot, sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side until a beautiful browned crust forms. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Meanwhile, boil rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Drizzle this garlic butter evenly over the sliced rested steak.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Slowly stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth, creating a rich creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a small pinch of Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the chopped parsley to the cheese sauce, then toss in the cooked rigatoni until every piece is fully coated and creamy.
- Plate and Serve: Serve the creamy rigatoni on plates, topping with slices of the garlic butter steak. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Allowing the steak to rest after searing helps keep it juicy.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Feel free to substitute rigatoni with penne or another tubular pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
