If there’s one dish that brings together the decadent comfort of cheese, the savoriness of steak, and the irresistible aroma of garlic, it’s Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. This recipe is a total celebration on a plate: perfectly seared steak tips nestled in a glossy, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with plush rigatoni and sun-dried tomatoes for a hint of tang. Each bite is rich, cozy, and bright with fresh herbs—a little luxurious, and absolutely doable for a weeknight dinner. You’ll never look at steak and pasta the same way again!

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one has a special role here—building flavor, adding texture, or giving that final dreamy finish—so don’t skip a thing!

Strip Steaks: These bring juicy, restaurant-style flavor to your pasta; ask your butcher for nicely marbled steaks for extra tenderness.
Olive Oil: A perfect searing companion—helps create that gorgeous crust on the steak tips while keeping them moist.
Butter: The key to making the garlic sing and giving the sauce that velvety finish.
Minced Garlic: Use fresh garlic if you can; it infuses the whole dish with deep, aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth: Adds a bit of savory backbone to the creamy sauce and balances out the richness.
Heavy Cream: This is where the luscious, silky texture comes from—it’s worth every drop.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For the best melt and most flavor, grate your own Parmesan straight from the block.
Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges catch every bit of that creamy sauce—you’ll thank yourself for choosing rigatoni.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors—add more if you like a little heat.
Oregano: Sprinkling in dried or fresh oregano gives a Mediterranean flair and lifts the richness.
Thyme: A hint of earthiness balances the creamy and cheesy notes beautifully.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet-tart pop and gorgeous color contrast—don’t skip them!

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Begin your adventure with a big pot of salted water—think as salty as the sea! Bring it to a roaring boil, then stir in your rigatoni. Cook until just al dente; it should still have a bite. This ensures that when the pasta meets the sauce, it doesn’t go soft. Drain well, but save a small mug of pasta water in case you want to loosen up your sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Pat your strip steaks dry with paper towels (this step makes a real difference for a crisp sear), then season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the steaks and let them sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side—this builds unbeatable flavor. Take the steaks out and let them rest while you make the sauce. Resting lets the juices redistribute, keeping every steak tip juicy.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in the butter and let it melt, scraping up all those caramelized steak bits (that’s pure flavor!). Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then let it all bubble away gently for another 3 to 4 minutes, reducing into pure silkiness.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Lower the heat, then whisk in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Now, fold in the sun-dried tomatoes. They add irresistible chew and bursts of sweetness that make this dish pop. Taste and adjust the seasoning—with a little pepper or extra Parmesan—until it’s just right.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Steak Tips

Slice your rested steaks against the grain into hearty bite-sized tips. Add both the cooked rigatoni and steak tips to the sauce, then gently toss everything to coat. Let the mixture warm through for a couple of minutes—the pasta will soak up some of the sauce and the flavors will come together in every forkful.

Step 6: Final Touches

Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni hot from the pan! Top with a shower of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and, if you like, a trailing pinch of red pepper flakes. Every bite is bigger and better than the last!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can make your plate pop! Toss on some chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, more Parmesan for indulgence, and a dusting of red pepper flakes for a kick. A little fresh-cracked black pepper right before serving can also brighten the whole dish. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon if you like things zingy!

Side Dishes

Because Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is already decadent, pair it with something light and crisp on the side. Garlic bread is never a bad idea, of course, but a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette will cut through the richness and leave you wanting another bite. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also make colorful, healthy companions for this pasta feast!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dinner into a show-stopper: Heap the pasta high in a wide, shallow bowl and nestle the steak tips right on top. Sprinkle with lots of vibrant herbs and sun-dried tomatoes for contrast. If you’re entertaining, fill small ramekins with portions for a bistro-style starter, or serve family-style with a shower of Parmesan at the table. Your guests will be wowed before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes every bit as magical the next day. Just make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep out fridge odors and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, cool everything down quickly and pack individual servings in freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce may separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle stir during reheating brings it back together. For best quality, enjoy frozen leftovers within a month.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re using the microwave, cover the dish loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Just be careful not to overcook, so the steak stays as tender as possible.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for steak tips in this recipe?

Strip steak is a fantastic choice because it offers great marbling and stays tender after searing and slicing. However, you can also use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer—just aim for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick for juicy results in your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the steak and pasta a few hours ahead, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, gently bring the sauce together, add the steak and pasta, and warm everything through. The sauce is best made right before serving for the creamiest texture.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta dish without drying out the steak?

Low and slow is the way to go! Reheat covered over low heat on the stove, adding a little splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce and keep everything silky. Stir gently so the steak tips stay tender.

Can I substitute a different cheese for the Parmesan?

Yes! While nothing melts quite like Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or even try a blend with Gruyère for extra richness. Just be sure to grate your cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

It’s easy! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or another sturdy pasta, and double-check that your broth and any seasonings are gluten-free. The creamy, cheesy, garlicky flavors will shine no matter which pasta base you use.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve found it in Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. It’s rich, full-flavored, and made to share—perfect for both impressing guests and treating yourself. Give it a try soon and see just how many happy memories you can cook up with one pan and a little love!