I don’t know about you, but when I’m craving comfort food that hits every note—savory, creamy, garlicky, and satisfying—it’s hard to beat this garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni recipe. From the sizzling butter-seared steak tips to the rich, melty cheese sauce that hugs every piece of pasta, this dish checks every box on the weeknight dinner wish list. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking something special for yourself, this skillet meal delivers serious flavor without the fuss.
It’s the kind of dish that combines the elegance of steakhouse flavor with the down-home comfort of baked pasta. And it only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. We’re talking one pan, bold garlic butter sauce, juicy steak bites, and cheesy rigatoni that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this one’s going to become a permanent part of your rotation.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni – Creamy, Savory Pasta Dinner in One Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak tips cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook rigatoni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Steak Tips: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Add 1 tbsp butter and sear steak tips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in cream, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix until melted and smooth.
- Toss Pasta and Steak: Add rigatoni and steak tips back to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot. Extra parmesan on top is always a good idea.
Notes
Secret Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
1. Sear for Maximum Flavor: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the steak tips—this ensures a rich, golden crust instead of steaming the meat. 2. Deglaze with Wine or Broth: After searing, splash in a little white wine or beef broth to lift those caramelized bits from the pan. It deepens the flavor of your garlic butter sauce. 3. Use Fresh Garlic: Skip the jarred stuff—freshly minced garlic gives this dish that punchy, buttery kick it deserves. 4. Undercook the Pasta Slightly: Drain the rigatoni when it’s just shy of al dente. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up all that creamy, garlicky goodness. 5. Finish with Broiler Magic: Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to bubble and lightly brown the cheesy top—total game changer.Flavor Snapshot
- Course: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort
- Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Main Ingredients: Sirloin steak tips, garlic, butter, rigatoni, mozzarella, parmesan
- Best For: Weeknight dinner, pasta night, family meal, date night in
Fuel Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
Source: Nutritionix
Budget Breakdown (Est. Per Serving)
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sirloin steak tips (1 lb) | $6.50 |
| Rigatoni pasta (8 oz) | $0.80 |
| Mozzarella + Parmesan | $1.75 |
| Garlic + Butter | $0.70 |
| Cream or Milk | $0.50 |
| Herbs + Pantry Staples | $0.30 |
| Total per serving | ~$2.65 |
Budget-friendly indulgence for under $3 a plate.
What’s the Big Deal?
Garlic Butter Steak Tips That Deliver Bold Flavor
There’s just something unforgettable about garlic butter steak tips sizzling in a hot skillet. That rich, buttery base infused with fresh garlic clings to the seared steak, creating a flavor bomb that feels like it came straight off a steakhouse grill. Whether you’re a fan of classic beef tips or you’re looking for a new way to enjoy sirloin, this recipe satisfies that craving for indulgent yet balanced comfort food.
Cheesy Rigatoni That’s Creamy and Crave-Worthy
This isn’t your average cheesy pasta dish. The rigatoni is cooked just past al dente and then tossed in a velvety blend of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and reserved pasta water to create a silky, savory sauce that wraps around every tube. The garlic butter steak tips melt right into the mix, making this the ultimate creamy steak and pasta dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Quick, Comforting, and Company-Worthy
You don’t need hours in the kitchen to pull off something special. This garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni recipe takes just 40 minutes from prep to plate. That makes it a perfect weeknight dinner that still feels like a restaurant-quality meal. You can serve it straight from the skillet or plate it up fancy for guests—it delivers big on flavor either way.
A High-Protein Pasta Dinner That Satisfies
Each serving of this steak pasta recipe is packed with lean protein from tender sirloin steak, plus satisfying carbs and fat from the rigatoni and cheese. That balance makes it great not just for indulgence, but for staying full and fueled. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner for the whole family or a post-workout meal that doesn’t taste like a compromise, this one’s got you covered.
According to WebMD, lean cuts like sirloin steak offer key nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium, while being lower in saturated fat than fattier cuts—making it a smart and satisfying choice when paired with whole ingredients.
From My Kitchen Notes
This recipe came out of one of those late Thursday nights when I needed dinner on the table fast but still wanted something that tasted like I cared. I had some steak tips sitting in the fridge, a half-box of rigatoni, and a drawer full of cheese odds and ends. What started as a thrown-together dinner quickly became one of my most-requested meals at home.
What I love about this garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni dish is how easy it is to customize. I’ve tried it with everything from sliced mushrooms and caramelized onions to a splash of white wine or a hint of Dijon in the sauce. No matter how you tweak it, the base flavors hold strong: rich garlic butter, juicy seared steak, and melty cheese smothering rigatoni.
So whether you’re cooking for your partner, family, or just yourself, trust me—this dish will make you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen. Especially when you see the look on their faces after that first bite.
Best Served When
Weeknight Indulgence Without the Hassle
When you need something comforting after a long day but don’t want to wrestle with a complicated recipe, this garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni recipe has your back. It’s a quick steak dinner idea that hits all the cozy notes—tender, buttery steak, creamy pasta, and rich flavor—ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for those weeknights when takeout sounds tempting, but you want something real and satisfying.
Romantic Dinner at Home
Want to impress your partner without spending hours over the stove? This creamy steak and pasta skillet dish makes a fantastic date night recipe. The garlic butter steak tips bring that seared, savory depth, while the cheesy rigatoni adds a creamy hug of comfort. Light some candles, pour a glass of bold red wine, and let this dish do the heavy lifting in the romance department.
Sunday Family Dinner
This high-protein family dinner isn’t just hearty—it’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s picky kids, hungry teens, or steak-loving adults, everyone digs into this skillet meal with smiles. It’s the kind of cozy, one-pan pasta recipe that fills your kitchen with the smell of garlic and melted cheese and brings people together around the table.
Meal Prep Win for the Week
Looking for a meal prep steak recipe that doesn’t taste like leftovers? This one’s gold. The garlic butter sauce stays luscious, and the rigatoni holds up beautifully when reheated. Portion it into containers and you’ve got balanced, high-protein lunches ready to roll. According to Healthline, protein-packed meals help you stay full longer and maintain muscle mass, making this dish a solid addition to your weekly meal plan.
Any Night You Crave Steak and Pasta
Honestly, there’s never a bad time for garlic butter steak pasta. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or celebrating something small and sweet at home, this dish turns any ordinary night into a little bit of magic.
Grocery Game Plan
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Steak Tips: Sirloin is my go-to for tenderness and flavor. Ribeye or NY strip also works.
- Rigatoni: Holds sauce beautifully, but penne or ziti can sub in.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts perfectly; parmesan adds sharpness.
- Butter: Real unsalted butter delivers that rich, silky finish.
The Fix-Up (Instructions)
- Boil Pasta: Cook rigatoni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Steak Tips: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Add 1 tbsp butter and sear steak tips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in cream, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix until melted and smooth.
- Toss Pasta and Steak: Add rigatoni and steak tips back to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot. Extra parmesan on top is always a good idea.
Flavor Twists
Spice It Up for a Bolder Steak Pasta
If you love a little heat, it’s easy to turn this garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni into a spicy steak pasta dish. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes right into the garlic butter as it melts, or swirl in a dash of cayenne to coat the steak tips with a fiery kick. Want to go all-in? Stir in a spoonful of chili crisp for that deep, savory heat that makes each bite pop.
This twist turns a classic creamy steak pasta into a bold, flavor-forward meal that brings the heat without overpowering the rich cheese and garlic.
Go Green with Veggie-Packed Steak Pasta
Looking to balance out the richness with some extra nutrients? Toss in some sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or a handful of green peas. These additions not only boost the fiber and vitamin content, but they also complement the savory flavors of the steak rigatoni pasta beautifully. Plus, adding veggies makes this feel like a more rounded balanced steak and pasta meal—great for both adults and picky kids.
Spinach, in particular, pairs perfectly with garlic butter and steak, adding color and earthiness to each bite.
Cheese It Your Way: Change the Flavor Profile
Don’t feel tied down to mozzarella and parmesan—though they are classics for a reason. Try smoked gouda for a deeper, nutty flavor, or provolone for smooth meltability with a mild tang. White cheddar brings sharpness and boldness, making your garlic butter steak pasta even more comforting and craveable.
According to Healthline, cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin B12, and protein, helping support everything from bone density to nerve health. So whether you go classic or creative, you’re still getting plenty of nourishing goodness in every cheesy forkful.
Other Delicious Pasta Variations
- Sub rigatoni with penne or rotini for a different texture.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Try a garlic herb butter blend for even more aromatic depth in the sauce.
No matter how you twist it, this dish is all about comfort, flavor, and making it your own.
Leftover Love
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Pull Up a Chair (Pairings)
Pair this garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni with one of these comfort food classics:
Explore more crave-worthy recipes from these collections:
Kitchen Talk (FAQs)
Can I use another cut of beef for garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni?
Absolutely. While sirloin is my go-to for tenderness and flavor, you can also use beef tenderloin, NY strip, or even ribeye. The key is choosing a tender cut of beef that can be quickly seared and sliced. For a more budget-friendly steak tip dinner, look for flap meat or tri-tip, but marinate them longer for extra tenderness.
How do I keep the steak tips juicy and tender in a garlic butter pasta recipe?
This is a common steak pasta cooking question, and here’s the trick: high heat and quick searing. Overcrowding the pan will steam the meat, not sear it. Sear in batches if needed. Then let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing—it locks in those natural juices and keeps the texture melt-in-your-mouth.
Is garlic butter steak tips with rigatoni good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s one of my top picks for meal prep-friendly steak and pasta recipes. Just portion it into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep it moist. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months, though pasta texture might soften slightly.
What makes rigatoni the best pasta for garlic butter steak tips?
Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges trap the garlic butter sauce and cheesy goodness. It also has enough structure to stand up to hearty steak tips, unlike thinner pastas that can get overwhelmed. This makes it perfect for high-protein steak pasta recipes like this one.
Can I make garlic butter steak tips pasta gluten-free?
Yes, this can easily be a gluten-free steak pasta recipe. Swap the regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta—chickpea, lentil, or brown rice varieties work well. Also check that your parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free, just to be safe.
What are the best side dishes for garlic butter steak pasta with rigatoni?
To round out your meal, go with something fresh and vibrant. I love serving:
- A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted or sautéed green beans
- Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette
These sides balance the richness and make your steak pasta dinner feel complete.
How can I lighten up this steak pasta recipe without sacrificing flavor?
If you’re looking for a lighter garlic butter steak pasta dish, here’s how:
- Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of full cream
- Cut down on cheese, or go for reduced-fat mozzarella
- Choose whole wheat rigatoni or a high-fiber legume pasta
- Add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini
According to the Mayo Clinic, balancing indulgent dishes with lean proteins and vegetables can help maintain overall health.
Is garlic butter steak pasta high in protein?
Definitely. Between the steak tips and the cheese, this dish packs a protein punch—ideal for post-workout dinners or satisfying weeknight meals. According to Nutritionix, a 3-ounce serving of cooked sirloin steak contains about 25 grams of protein. Pair that with the dairy-based rigatoni sauce, and you’ve got a high-protein pasta dish that keeps you full.
Can I make garlic butter steak pasta without heavy cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a dairy-light steak pasta alternative, use Greek yogurt thinned with a splash of milk, or go with a plant-based creamer. It’ll still be creamy without the richness of heavy cream. You can also make a garlic butter reduction sauce without dairy by adding a splash of beef broth and finishing with just a sprinkle of parmesan.
Final Bite
There’s something special about a meal that brings together silky garlic butter, juicy steak bites, and melty cheese-drenched pasta. This garlic butter steak tips with cheesy rigatoni recipe has become one of my personal go-tos—not just because it’s downright delicious, but because it’s versatile, quick, and comforting every single time.
So whether you’re cooking for date night, feeding a hungry family, or just indulging in some quality me-time with a bowl of something amazing, this dish delivers.
Trust me, one bite and you’ll be putting this steak pasta recipe on repeat.
“Buttery steak tips and cheesy pasta in one skillet? That’s what I call a comfort food jackpot.” – Molly
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A sizzling combo of juicy steak, garlicky butter sauce, and melty cheese-covered rigatoni—ready in 40 minutes flat and perfect for any comfort food craving.
