Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Description:

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a hearty and indulgent meal that combines tender, juicy steak tips seared in a garlicky butter sauce with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that feels both satisfying and luxurious.

Origin:

This recipe takes inspiration from Italian-American cuisine, blending classic pasta and cheese with steak tips prepared in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s the ultimate fusion of rich and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Steak Tips:

• 1 1/2 lbs (700g) steak tips or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan

Instructions:

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Steak Tips:

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak tips with salt and black pepper.
3. Add the steak tips to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
5. Return the steak tips to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

6. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
7. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Combine and Serve:

9. Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
10. Plate the cheesy rigatoni and top with the garlic butter steak tips. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality steak for tender, juicy bites.
• Warm the milk before adding it to the roux to ensure a smooth cheese sauce.
• Cook the steak tips in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Recommendations:

• Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for an elevated dining experience.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 4 servings):

• Calories: ~750
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort dish that delivers bold flavors and a touch of indulgence.