Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

There’s nothing quite like the perfect combination of juicy, tender steak and creamy, cheesy pasta. Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort meal, bringing together rich, buttery steak bites with a velvety, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This dish is packed with bold flavors, making it a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily whip up at home.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The steak is seared to perfection, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that enhances its natural flavors. Meanwhile, the rigatoni pasta is smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, creating a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant date night, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

• Rich and Indulgent – Juicy steak paired with cheesy pasta creates a satisfying, hearty meal.

• Easy to Make – Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

• Versatile – Use your favorite cut of steak and customize the cheese sauce to suit your taste.

• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration, this dish never disappoints.

• Crowd-Pleaser – A guaranteed hit for steak and pasta lovers alike!

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Yield: Serves 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 720

• Carbohydrates: 48g

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 42g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

For the Garlic Butter Steak:

• 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

• Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Steak

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up. Season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Add the steak to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the butter around the steak, allowing it to coat each piece in rich garlic flavor. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps.

Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce the heat to low and add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Divide the cheesy rigatoni among plates or bowls. Top with the garlic butter steak and drizzle any remaining butter sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Steak

The type of steak you choose can make a big difference in this dish. Ribeye is a great option for its rich marbling and deep flavor, while sirloin provides a leaner bite with just the right amount of tenderness. If you’re going for a more luxurious meal, filet mignon is incredibly tender and pairs beautifully with the garlic butter sauce. No matter which cut you choose, the key to the best steak is high heat and a quick sear to lock in the juices while creating a crispy, flavorful crust.

Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is the magic ingredient that takes this steak to the next level. Fresh garlic is sautéed in melted butter, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that coats the steak beautifully. The addition of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes adds a subtle smoky-spicy kick that enhances the steak’s natural flavors. If you love extra garlicky steak, you can even add roasted garlic for a milder, slightly sweet depth of flavor.

Rigatoni and Cheese Sauce

Rigatoni is the ideal pasta for this dish because its thick, ridged tubes hold onto the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. The cheese sauce itself is a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, each bringing a different texture and taste. Mozzarella provides a smooth, stretchy quality, cheddar gives it a sharp bite, and Parmesan adds a nutty depth. The flour and butter roux helps the sauce stay silky while binding the ingredients together, ensuring it clings to every bite of pasta.

Technique Tips for Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

Achieving the Perfect Steak Sear

The secret to a beautifully seared steak is letting the pan get smoking hot before adding the meat. This ensures a deep golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan—cook the steak in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking and prevent steaming.

How to Get a Silky Smooth Cheese Sauce

A common mistake when making cheese sauce is adding the cheese too quickly or using high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate. To avoid this, keep the heat low and add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water can help smooth it out while maintaining its creaminess.

Balancing Flavors in the Dish

Since both the garlic butter steak and the cheesy pasta are rich, balancing the flavors is key. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the steak before serving can cut through the richness and brighten the dish. Additionally, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper to the cheese sauce gives it a subtle warmth that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Garlic Butter Steak Pasta Bake

If you love baked pasta dishes, transfer the cheesy rigatoni to a baking dish, top it with the cooked steak, sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. This creates a slightly crisp, cheesy topping for an extra indulgent twist.

Steak and Pasta Bowls

For a more refined plating style, serve the cheesy rigatoni in shallow bowls and neatly arrange the garlic butter steak slices on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elevated presentation.

Low-Carb Version

To make a low-carb version, swap the rigatoni for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower gnocchi. The creamy cheese sauce still works beautifully with these substitutes, and the garlic butter steak remains just as delicious without the extra carbs.

Freezing and Storing Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the pasta and steak separately to maintain their best texture. Keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Without Drying Out

To reheat the steak, use a skillet over medium heat with a little butter to keep it juicy. For the pasta, add a splash of milk before reheating it in the microwave or on the stovetop to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing for Later

If you’d like to freeze this meal, store the cooked steak in a freezer-safe bag and the pasta in a separate container. The pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the cheese sauce may thicken after freezing—just add extra milk when reheating.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Use Whole Wheat or Chickpea Pasta

For a healthier version of this dish, swap traditional rigatoni for whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta. Both options add more fiber and protein while keeping the dish satisfying.

Reduce the Heavy Cream

Instead of heavy cream, use Greek yogurt or light cream for a lighter, protein-packed cheese sauce. This keeps the dish creamy without as much fat.

Lean Steak Cuts

If you want to cut down on fat, opt for leaner steak cuts like sirloin or flank steak instead of ribeye. These cuts are still flavorful but contain less marbling.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Date Night Special

This dish makes a fantastic romantic dinner! Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh arugula salad, and a glass of red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec) for a perfectly balanced meal.

Family Dinner Favorite

For a fun and hearty family meal, serve this alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts and a basket of warm dinner rolls. Everyone will love the creamy, cheesy pasta paired with juicy steak bites.

Dinner Party Dish

If you’re serving this for a dinner party, prepare the cheesy rigatoni in a large serving dish, then top it with sliced steak and fresh parsley. Place bowls of extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and garlic bread on the side so guests can customize their plates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the best steak for this recipe?

Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are great choices. Sirloin offers a leaner option, while ribeye and filet are extra tender and flavorful.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the steak and pasta ahead of time, but store them separately. Reheat the steak in a skillet and the pasta with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Gouda, provolone, or pepper jack can be used for a unique twist. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

4. How do I make the steak extra tender?

Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking, and avoid overcooking it—medium-rare to medium is ideal.

5. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or cavatappi work just as well if you don’t have rigatoni.

6. Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes! Use whole milk or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.

7. What’s the best way to get a crispy steak crust?

Pat the steak dry before seasoning and use high heat with a cast-iron skillet to get a perfect sear.

8. How do I add extra spice?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for more heat.

9. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the cheese sauce with cornstarch.

10. How do I make this dish more budget-friendly?

Use top sirloin instead of ribeye and sharp cheddar instead of multiple cheeses to keep costs lower without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a fancy date night, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can recreate a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Try this recipe today and get ready to savor every bite!

Print