Get ready for a meal that will make your taste buds dance! In this post, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss, I’ll show you how to whip up an amazing dish full of flavor. With tender steak, creamy sauce, and cheesy rigatoni, this recipe is perfect for any dinner. Let’s dive into the simple steps and tasty tips that will make you a kitchen star!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips
– 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized tips
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
– 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Ingredients for Cheesy Sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnishes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
When making Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni, you need to focus on the right ingredients. I love using fresh sirloin steak. It has a great flavor and tenderness. You will want to cut it into small tips to cook fast.
Unsalted butter makes the garlic sauce rich and tasty. Garlic adds a nice punch. Fresh thyme brings a lovely herbal note. I often choose rigatoni pasta for this dish. Its shape holds the cheesy sauce well.
For the cheesy sauce, heavy cream gives it a smooth texture. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds depth.
Do not forget seasoning! Salt and pepper are key. Fresh parsley at the end adds color and freshness.
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both comforting and gourmet. For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rigatoni
1. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a boil.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save ½ cup of the pasta water. Set the rigatoni aside.
Cooking the Steak Tips
1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak tips with salt and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated.
3. Once the butter is hot and sizzling, add the steak tips to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning them to brown on all sides.
4. When the steak tips are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce and Cheesy Sauce
1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir often to prevent sticking.
4. Gradually mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency.
Combining Ingredients
1. Add the cooked rigatoni and the steak tips back into the skillet with the cheesy sauce.
2. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.
For the full recipe, check out the complete guide.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Steak to Perfection
To cook steak tips just right, you need to know your doneness. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium. This keeps your steak juicy and tender.
For searing, heat your skillet until it’s very hot. Add the butter right before cooking the steak. This helps form a nice crust. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This step is key to getting maximum flavor.
Creamy Sauce Consistency
To get your sauce perfect, you may need to adjust its thickness. If it’s too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes. This thickens the sauce nicely.
Cheese can clump if added too fast. Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan while stirring. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Remember, patience is key here.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with side dishes like a simple salad or garlic bread. These complement the rich flavors well.
For presentation, use a large platter to serve. Place the rigatoni in the center and top with steak tips. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. This makes the dish look stunning and appetizing.
For the full recipe, check the link provided.
Variations
Alternative Protein Options
You can switch the steak for chicken or shrimp if you like.
– Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook until golden brown.
– Shrimp: Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Add them to the pan for just a few minutes until pink and cooked through.
– Vegetarian: Try using mushrooms instead of meat. Portobello or cremini mushrooms work well. Sauté them until they are tender.
Pasta Substitutes
If you want to switch up the pasta, there are many great options.
– Other Pasta Shapes: Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are all good choices. They hold the sauce nicely.
– Gluten-Free Alternatives: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. They taste great and keep the dish delicious.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add more flavor with just a few ingredients.
– Adding Vegetables: Toss in fresh spinach or bell peppers for color and nutrition. Sauté them with the garlic.
– Different Herbs and Spices: Try adding basil, oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. This can give the dish a new twist.
These variations let you customize your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni just the way you like. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni fresh, follow these steps:
– Let the dish cool to room temperature.
– Use airtight containers to store leftovers.
– Divide into single servings for easy reheating.
– Keep in the fridge for up to three days.
I recommend glass containers. They keep food fresh and heat evenly.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, it’s key to avoid dryness. Here’s how:
– Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help moisten. Stir frequently until heated through.
– Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Both methods work well, but stovetop keeps it creamier.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Here’s how:
– Store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
– Label with the date for tracking.
– It can freeze for up to three months.
To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Adding a bit of cream helps restore that creamy texture. Enjoy your meal again!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this dish ready in about 45 minutes. This time includes boiling the water, cooking the pasta, and perfecting the steak tips and sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead. Cook the garlic and butter mix first. Then, store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, gently reheat it and add the cream and cheese. This saves you time on a busy day.
Are there any dietary substitutions for this recipe?
Sure! For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, you can swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta. Both options still taste great!
How do I ensure my steak tips are tender?
To ensure tenderness, choose a good cut like sirloin. Cut it into small pieces for quick cooking. Cook them over high heat for a short time. This method keeps them juicy and tender.
This blog post covered how to make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. We also explored variations and storage options. Remember, cooking is an art. Feel free to tweak ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoying your dish is the goal. With these tips, you can create a great meal that impresses. Happy cooking!
