Cajun Steak Tips bring bold flavor and tender bites to this rich, creamy rigatoni dish smothered in a cheesy parmesan sauce. Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! I’m the recipe developer behind Cooks Foody, where comfort meets creativity. This recipe is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy, making it a favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.
I used to struggle to find the right balance between spice and creaminess in pasta dishes. So I crafted this Cajun Steak Tips recipe to deliver melt in your mouth steak, bold Cajun flavor, and an ultra smooth parmesan sauce that clings to every bite of rigatoni. In this post, we’ll explore steak selection, cooking methods, prep tips, flavor variations, and more.
Why This Cajun Steak Tips Recipe Works
- 💸 Uses affordable, easy to find cuts of meat
- ⏰ Ready in just 30 minutes for maximum convenience
- 🌟 Perfect balance of spicy steak and creamy pasta
- 🚀 Great for weeknights or dinner parties
Choosing the Right Meat for Cajun Steak Tips
Best Cuts for This Recipe
- Sirloin Tips: Lean, flavorful, and perfect for bite sized searing.
- Ribeye Tips: More marbling means more flavor, but slightly richer.
Buying Tips
- Look for a bright red color with minimal liquid in the packaging.
- Ask your butcher for “steak tips” or trim your own from sirloin or ribeye.
Substitutions
- Try flank steak or flat iron if you can’t find tips.
- Substitute with chicken breast chunks for a milder variation.
Ingredients & Prep for Cajun Steak Tips
Meat Prep Essentials
- Cut steak into bite-sized cubes.
- Pat dry with paper towels for better sear.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
Marinades/Rubs
- ⚡ Rub: Cajun seasoning + olive oil
- ⚡ Optional marinade: 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp lemon juice + Cajun spices (let sit 15–20 mins)
Pantry Staples
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic cloves
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cajun Steak Tips
Pre-Cooking Prep for Cajun Steak Tips
- Bring steak tips to room temperature.
- Boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente.
Cooking Method for Cajun Steak Tips
- In a hot skillet, heat olive oil.
- Sear steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove steak and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, then stir in cream.
- Simmer, add cheeses, and toss in cooked pasta.
- Return steak tips to the pan and combine.
Doneness Check for Cajun Steak Tips
- Medium doneness: 135°F internal temperature.
- Tips should be tender, slightly pink inside.
Resting Cajun Steak Tips
- Let steak rest 5 minutes before mixing with pasta.
- This locks in juices and prevents overcooking.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Tips
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat
- Don’t overcook the steak aim for medium.
- Rest meat before combining with hot pasta.
Tool Recommendations
- Cast-iron skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Silicone tongs
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in airtight container (up to 3 days).
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Flavor Variations for Cajun Steak Tips
| Variation Type | Ingredients to Add | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Twist | Crushed red pepper, hot sauce | Bolder, hotter profile |
| Keto/Paleo | Zucchini noodles, coconut cream | Low-carb, creamy texture |
| Global Flavors | Harissa paste or jerk seasoning | North African or Caribbean flair |
Serving Suggestions for Cajun Steak Tips
- Serve with garlic bread or roasted veggies.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color.
- Pair with sparkling water or lemon iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
FAQs About Cajun Steak Tips
Can I use frozen steak tips?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before searing.
How do I fix overcooked steak?
Slice thinly and mix into pasta with extra cream to help soften.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes, as long as the steak is fully cooked and pasteurized cream is used.
Conclusion
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Try these Cajun Steak Tips in a rich, cheesy rigatoni sauce that’s bold, comforting, and absolutely satisfying.
Print
Cajun Steak Tips 30 Min Bold Cheesy Pasta Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This rich and spicy dish pairs tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips with a creamy, cheesy rigatoni Parmesan sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort meal with just the right amount of kick and a satisfying cheesy finish.
Ingredients
1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
10 oz rigatoni pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in Parmesan until melted. If using, add mozzarella or Fontina. Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Combine: Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin. Fold in steak tips gently.
- Serve: Plate immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Notes
The key to perfect steak tips is not overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat distribution. Room temperature steak cooks more evenly than cold steak straight from the refrigerator.
Fresh Parmesan cheese makes an enormous difference in sauce quality compared to pre-grated varieties. The texture and flavor are incomparably superior, and it melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water reservation the starch content helps bind the sauce to the pasta and can rescue a sauce that becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 875 kcal
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: cajun steak tips, rigatoni pasta, parmesan sauce, cheesy pasta, steak pasta, cajun seasoning, creamy pasta