Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni! This hearty and comforting dish is a favorite among many, and for good reason. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for those special occasions when you want to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a delicious meal in no time.
(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
There are so many reasons to love this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of tender steak tips, creamy rigatoni, and rich garlic butter creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for you!
But that’s not all. This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more vegetables, swap out the steak for chicken, or make it vegetarian, the options are endless.
And let’s not forget about the leftovers. This dish tastes even better the next day, making it the perfect meal prep option. Just reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 1 lb steak tips
- rigatoni pasta
- garlic, minced
- butter
- heavy cream
- (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Vegetarian Garlic Butter Rigatoni: Swap out the steak tips for a plant-based alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Tips: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick of heat.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Tips: Stir in an extra cup of heavy cream before serving for a creamier texture.
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Tips: Throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it simmer for 6-8 hours on low.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Making Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Steak Tips: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked rigatoni and steak tips to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta and steak are well coated.
- Serve: Plate the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni even better:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) before serving.
- Freeze Leftovers: This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Serve
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a hearty meal on its own, but it’s even better with a few sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Bread: Serve with a crusty loaf of bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Toppings: Don’t forget the toppings! Chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese are all great options.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to make it ahead and store it:
- Make Ahead: You can make the dish up to 3 days in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it simmer for 6-8 hours on low.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely. You can swap out the steak tips for chicken breast or thighs.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, this dish is not gluten-free due to the rigatoni pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick of heat.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This hearty and comforting dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a special occasion or a satisfying lunch to meal prep, this dish has you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: recipe
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender steak tips with creamy rigatoni pasta in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy meal at home. The combination of flavors will have your taste buds dancing, and the one-pot preparation makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Steak Tips: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked rigatoni and steak tips to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta and steak are well coated.
- Serve: Plate the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) before serving.
- Freeze Leftovers: This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni