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Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni

Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni
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Experience the bold and hearty Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni, combining spicy, tender steak with creamy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This quick and easy dish delivers a perfectly balanced flavor and texture that’s both comforting and exciting, ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Garnish

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and melt it. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve desired consistency.
  6. Slice Steak and Serve: Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain. Arrange slices on top of the saucy rigatoni. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Let steak come to room temperature before cooking for more even searing and juiciness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while searing the steak; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for the best sauce flavor instead of powders or pre-made pastes.
  • Allow the steak to rest after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak, garlic butter steak, rigatoni pasta, spicy steak recipe, creamy pasta, quick steak dinner, family-friendly steak pasta

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/cajun-garlic-butter-steak-with-rigatoni/