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To make Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 8 oz rigatoni pasta - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and bold dish. The steak tips provide great flavor and protein. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that really stands out. Rigatoni pasta holds the sauce well. Fresh bell peppers and onion add crunch and color. Garlic enhances the overall taste. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a creamy sauce that ties it all together. Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This helps to make the cooking process smooth and fun. Enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh smells as you gather your items! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by tossing the steak tips in a bowl with Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece gets a good coat. This gives the steak a nice kick of flavor. Cajun seasoning is key to that warm and spicy taste. In a big pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it firm, so it holds up in the sauce. Take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes. You want the steak to turn a nice brown color. Make sure to turn the pieces for even cooking. Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften a bit. Then add in the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This will fill your kitchen with great smells! Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture well, allowing it to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens. This creamy sauce is what ties everything together. Now, return the seared steak tips to the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and gently mix everything together. You want the pasta to be well coated with the creamy sauce and steak. This step makes sure every bite is packed with flavor. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni! To achieve a perfect sear, start with dry steak tips. Pat them with paper towels. This helps remove extra moisture. Next, use a hot skillet. Heat it on medium-high heat for a few minutes. Add oil when the skillet is hot. Use just enough oil to coat the bottom. Place the steak tips in the skillet without crowding them. This allows each piece to brown well. Sear them for 4-5 minutes, turning only once. This creates a nice crust and locks in flavor. For a creamy sauce, start with cold heavy cream. This prevents the sauce from curdling. Add it slowly to the skillet after sautéing the veggies. Stir gently to combine it well with the sautéed onions and peppers. As it simmers, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts. This keeps the sauce smooth. Adjust the heat to low to avoid boiling. A thick sauce coats the rigatoni beautifully. To store leftovers properly, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freezing works too. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of cream to restore moisture. This helps keep the dish creamy and delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Steak: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Don't Overcook the Steak: Sear the steak tips quickly to keep them juicy and tender; they will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a bit more heavy cream or a splash of milk while simmering. Add Spice Gradually: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance; start with less and add more to taste. {{image_2}} You can switch out steak tips for chicken or shrimp. Chicken breasts or thighs work well. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. For shrimp, use large shrimp and peel them. Season them with Cajun spices like you do with steak. Cook the chicken until it is done and the shrimp until they turn pink. This gives you a new twist on the dish that is just as tasty. If you want a meat-free meal, try using mushrooms or tofu. Portobello or shiitake mushrooms give a rich flavor. Slice them and sauté them just like the steak. For tofu, press and cube it before cooking. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Season your mushrooms or tofu with Cajun spices to keep the flavor strong. This way, you will enjoy a hearty dish without meat. Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning. Just sprinkle a little at a time. Taste as you go to find the right spice level. If you prefer less heat, use less seasoning or skip the cayenne. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to cool things down. This way, you can make this dish fit your taste perfectly. You can store Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dish tastes great even after a day or two, as the flavors meld together. For longer storage, freeze your Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni. Use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it without the fresh parsley garnish. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. To make sure it stays tasty, try to remove as much air from the container as possible. To reheat, place the rigatoni in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy it as if it was just made! You can use several spices to replace Cajun seasoning. Some great options include: - Paprika - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Oregano - Black pepper - Cayenne pepper for heat Mix these spices to get a similar flavor. Use what you have on hand. This allows you to enjoy the dish even if you lack Cajun seasoning. Yes, you can prepare Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni ahead of time. Follow these tips for meal prep: - Cook the steak and pasta. Cool them down. - Store them in separate airtight containers. - Keep the sauce in another container. When ready to eat, reheat everything. Add a splash of cream to freshen the sauce. This method saves time and ensures a delicious meal. Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni tastes great with several side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread to soak up sauce - Steamed broccoli for crunch - Caesar salad for freshness - Grilled corn for sweetness These sides enhance the meal and balance the rich flavors of the pasta. To check if your steak is done, try these methods: - Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare. - Cut a small piece. Look for a warm, pink center. - Press the steak with your finger. A firmer feel means it’s more done. These tips help you achieve the perfect doneness every time. Enjoy your delicious meal! Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni is a tasty dish full of flavor and fun. You learned how to season the steak, cook the pasta, and make a creamy sauce. Using fresh veggies brightens the meal, and tips for storage help keep leftovers tasty. You can even switch proteins or spice levels for your taste. Enjoy this dish with sides that complement it well. Dive in and make cooking easy and delicious!

Cajun Steak Tip Rigatoni

A flavorful pasta dish featuring steak tips seasoned with Cajun spices, combined with rigatoni and a creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, toss the steak tips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens.
  • Return the seared steak tips to the skillet, then add the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less heat.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, dinner, pasta, steak