Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for any night you want something special but easy to make. The steak tips are cooked until they’re juicy and tender, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. Alongside, the rigatoni is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s so comforting and satisfying.
I love how quickly this dish comes together—it feels like a restaurant-worthy meal, but without the fuss. One of my favorite tips is to let the steak rest a bit after cooking so it stays super juicy inside. The garlic butter makes the steak shine, and the cheesy rigatoni is the perfect side that everyone always asks for more of. It’s a real crowd-pleaser at our house!
For serving, I like to plate the steak tips right on top of the rigatoni, so every bite has a little bit of everything. It’s a cozy meal that’s great for sharing with family or friends, especially when you want something warm and filling after a busy day. This combo always makes me feel like I’m treating myself, even on a weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak tips: I like sirloin or ribeye for tenderness and flavor. If you want leaner meat, try flank or skirt steak, but slice them thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Butter & garlic: Unsalted butter is best so you control saltiness. Garlic fresh or even roasted adds great depth; garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Rigatoni pasta: Rigatoni’s ridges hold the sauce well, but penne or ziti are good swaps if you don’t have rigatoni.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang; mixing it with Parmesan adds nuttiness and creaminess. You can try mozzarella or gouda for a milder flavor.
Cream and milk: Heavy cream gives richness here; if you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk only, but the sauce will be less thick.
How Do You Get Steak Tips Juicy and Tender with a Great Garlic Butter Finish?
Start by drying the steak tips well—that helps get a nice sear. Season just before cooking for a better crust. Use a hot skillet and don’t crowd the pan. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side to get brown color but keep them juicy inside.
After searing, add butter and garlic to the same pan to make a quick sauce. Let the garlic soften until fragrant but don’t brown it—that keeps the flavor sweet. Toss the steak tips in the butter sauce for 1-2 minutes to coat and finish cooking evenly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I recommend a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron for a good sear on the steak tips.
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the rigatoni until al dente.
- Whisk – helps smoothly incorporate the cheeses into the sauce without lumps.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate seasoning and ingredient quantities.
- Cooking spoon or tongs – great for tossing the pasta and flipping the steak tips.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap steak tips for chicken or shrimp to change the protein; sauté until cooked through.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cheese sauce for extra veggies.
- Use a different cheese like mozzarella or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce or on the steak for extra heat.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Tips:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 8 oz (225 g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It includes about 10 minutes to prep ingredients, 10-15 minutes to cook the pasta and steak, and a few extra minutes to make the cheesy sauce and assemble everything. Perfect for a quick, tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Steak Tips
Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. When hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan). Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until the outside is browned but the inside stays juicy. Remove from pan and keep warm.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce for Steak
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute—be careful not to burn the garlic. Return the steak tips to the pan and toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
4. Make the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring this gently to a simmer before slowly whisking in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, coating it evenly.
5. Assemble and Serve
Plate the cheesy rigatoni and pile the garlic butter steak tips on top or beside. Garnish with a little more fresh parsley if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Steak Tips for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the steak tips in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly to get a good sear and prevent steaming.
Can I Substitute Other Pasta for Rigatoni?
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even macaroni work well since they hold onto the cheesy sauce nicely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheesy rigatoni sauce and cook the steak tips separately in advance. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss together to serve fresh and flavorful.