Julia Walton
Juicy, golden-brown steak bites paired with creamy rigatoni coated in a luscious four-cheese sauce is the ultimate comfort food indulgence. The buttery garlic flavors seep into every tender bite of steak, while the cheesy rigatoni creates a perfect creamy contrast. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and feels like a restaurant-quality dinner you can enjoy at home.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or treating yourself to a luxurious night in, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The savory aroma of sizzling garlic butter steak combined with bubbling cheese sauce fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table before the first bite is served.
What Kind of Steak Works Best for This Recipe?
For the juiciest results, go for a well-marbled cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts stay tender during a quick sear in garlic butter. Cubing the steak allows for maximum flavor absorption, creating bite-sized pieces that perfectly complement creamy pasta.
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce
- Steak Cubes (Ribeye, Sirloin, or Tenderloin) – The star of the dish, rich and tender.
- Unsalted Butter – Infuses the steak with a luscious, savory flavor.
- Fresh Garlic – Provides the signature aroma and flavor for the steak.
- Rigatoni Pasta – The perfect pasta shape to hold creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
- Heavy Cream – Builds the silky base of the four-cheese sauce.
- Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar & Gruyère – The perfect blend for a creamy, melty, and slightly sharp cheese sauce.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances the natural flavors of both steak and pasta.
How To Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Pat the steak cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with butter, and sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Four-Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the shredded cheeses—mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, and gruyère—until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing it in the cheese sauce until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silky consistency.
Step 5: Add Steak and Garnish
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet, coating them in the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce
This decadent dish is best served fresh while the cheese sauce is still creamy and luscious. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic family-style presentation, or plate it individually with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce?
1. Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect companion for soaking up extra cheese sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta with fresh crunch and tangy dressing.
3. Roasted Asparagus
Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted to perfection adds a pop of green to your plate.
4. Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
5. Sautéed Mushrooms
Earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with steak and enhance the overall umami flavor.
6. Classic Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with marinated tomatoes and basil adds a bright, fresh bite.
7. Red Wine
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of the dish.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce, try these other comfort food favorites:
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a similar creamy and cheesy steak pasta experience.
- Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet when you’re craving a spicy, smoky twist.
- Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta for an easy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
- Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta for another steak-and-pasta comfort meal.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this cheesy steak and pasta recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for easy access anytime a comfort food craving strikes.
Tried it with a twist—maybe a splash of white wine in the cheese sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat? Share your variations and tips in the comments below!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite dish might be waiting there!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot
- skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye steak, cubed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded gruyère cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Pat steak dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear in butter for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, and whisk in all cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Toss rigatoni in the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Return steak to skillet, coat in sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.