Ingredients
- Sirloin steak tips (cubed into 1-inch pieces): 1.5 pounds
- Rigatoni pasta: 1 pound
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese blend: 1 cup
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the remaining water. Set the pasta aside.
- Step 2: Pat the steak tips dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat. Sear the steak tips in batches if necessary, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned, leaving the center medium-rare. Remove the steak tips from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Pour the heavy cream into the garlic butter mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan blend until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Step 5: Add the drained rigatoni pasta to the cheesy sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Return the seared steak tips and any accumulated juices to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To ensure peak flavor, sear your steak tips in a very hot pan for a perfect crust, and then be meticulous not to burn the garlic—sauté it for only 30-60 seconds until just fragrant.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but for the freshest flavor and texture, try to store the steak tips and cheesy pasta sauce separately before chilling.
- Reheat any leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy texture if the sauce appears too tight or dry.
- Balance the richness of the garlic butter and cheese by serving this hearty meal alongside a simple, lightly dressed arugula salad for contrasting freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American