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Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Keep the cheese sauce warm on low heat while you prepare the steak tips.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Steak Tips
- Prepare the Steak Tips: Season the steak tips with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Cook the Steak: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak tips in a single layer. Sear the steak tips for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Add the Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic into the butter and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant. If desired, add fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Toss the Steak in Butter: Once the garlic butter is ready, toss the cooked steak tips in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Combine Steak and Pasta
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If needed, add a bit of pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top it with the garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Pair this rich dish with some crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the savory flavors of the steak and pasta.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:
- Choosing the Right Steak: For tender steak tips, opt for cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin. These cuts are flavorful and cook quickly, making them perfect for this recipe.
- Customize the Cheese Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the sauce—Fontina or Gruyère can add extra depth and richness to the flavor.
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures a tender, juicy bite every time.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add a fragrant, herbaceous note that elevates the flavor of the garlic butter. Don’t skip them if you have them on hand!
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—tender steak and creamy pasta. It’s a rich, indulgent dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish will surely impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a meal full of flavor and satisfaction!
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