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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni 1

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When comfort food calls, nothing answers quite like a sizzling garlic butter steak paired with velvety rigatoni smothered in a creamy Cajun cheese sauce. This dish brings together bold Cajun spices, juicy seared steak, and tender pasta, creating the ultimate fusion of Southern heat and Italian indulgence. Perfect for a hearty dinner or a weekend treat, it’s a recipe that instantly feels like a hug on a plate.

The richness of the garlic butter enhances the natural flavors of the steak, while the cheesy cream sauce wraps every rigatoni tube in indulgence. Add the smoky warmth of Cajun seasoning, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, an impressive date night, or just treating yourself, this dish is pure comfort made unforgettable.


What Makes Cajun Garlic Butter Steak So Special?

Cajun cuisine is all about flavor, and when you pair it with the juiciness of a garlic butter steak, magic happens. The Cajun seasoning adds smoky paprika, earthy herbs, and a subtle kick of spice, balancing perfectly with the richness of the butter and cream. The result? A dish that’s hearty, spicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.


Ingredients for the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

  • Steak: A good cut like ribeye or sirloin is essential for tenderness and flavor.
  • Rigatoni Pasta: The hollow shape holds onto the creamy sauce, making each bite indulgent.
  • Garlic Butter: Infuses the steak with richness and depth.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Brings the smoky heat and signature Southern flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.
  • Cheese (Parmesan & Mozzarella): Adds sharpness and gooey melt for the ultimate creaminess.
  • Fresh Parsley: For a pop of freshness and color.
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How To Make the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

Step 1: Prepare the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

Generously season the steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add butter, and sear the steak on both sides until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan, let it rest, and then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, scraping up all the flavorful bits left from the steak.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until it simmers. Add Cajun seasoning and gradually mix in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the sauce, tossing until each piece is coated in the cheesy Cajun cream.

Step 6: Finish with Steak and Garnish

Top the creamy rigatoni with the sliced Cajun garlic butter steak. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of spice, cream, and savory steak.


Serving and Storing Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

This dish is best served fresh while the steak is still juicy and the pasta is coated in hot, velvety sauce. If you’re preparing it ahead, keep the steak and sauce separate from the pasta and combine them just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.


What to Serve With Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up the extra sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus balance out the richness with light, fresh flavors.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast.

Baked Potatoes

For an extra indulgent side, serve alongside baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives.

Southern Cornbread

The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread pairs beautifully with Cajun flavors.

Green Beans Almondine

Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds bring a nutty crunch to the meal.

Creamed Spinach

Silky, cheesy spinach adds another layer of indulgence while staying classic.

Fresh Garden Salad

A simple side salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions balances the richness with freshness.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni, you’ll definitely want to try these other flavorful pasta creations:


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Save this mouthwatering recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you’ll always have it on hand for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Did you try it with a twist—maybe swapping mozzarella for gouda or adding a splash of white wine to the sauce? Share your version in the comments below!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes. You might just find your next favorite dish waiting there.


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Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni 1

Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Craving a steak dinner that also scratches that creamy pasta itch? This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni brings restaurant-level comfort to your weeknight table. Juicy Cajun-seared steak gets tossed in silky garlic butter, then layered over tender rigatoni cloaked in a rich mozzarella–Parmesan cream sauce. It’s bold, cozy, and wildly satisfying—perfect as a quick dinner idea when you want something special without fuss. Great for easy dinners, comfort-food cravings, game day, or date night at home. If you’re browsing for weeknight dinner ideas, easy recipes, or food ideas that please everyone, this one-pan stovetop star delivers crowd-pleasing flavor in under an hour.


Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni

1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (about 1-inch thick)

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp lemon juice


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Pat steak dry. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear steak 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare). Transfer to a plate to rest.

4. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter; stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

5. Pour in beef broth; simmer 1 minute. Add heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth; loosen with pasta water as needed.

7. Add cooked rigatoni; toss to coat.

8. Slice steak against the grain; return to skillet with red pepper flakes (optional), parsley, and lemon juice.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning; serve hot.

Notes

Choose a well-marbled steak and rest it before slicing for juicier bites.

To reheat, stir in a splash of warm milk or pasta water to revive the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 430 g)
  • Calories: 920
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 1000
  • Fat: 45
  • Saturated Fat: 26
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 86
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 48
  • Cholesterol: 180

Keywords: cheesy cajun steak pasta, garlic butter steak, creamy rigatoni, easy dinner, weeknight pasta, comfort food

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