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