Life can be crazy and sometimes you just want a meal that warms you up inside, and this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is just that. It’s got juicy steak bits soaked in garlic butter and rigatoni that drinks up all that cheesy sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when your folks and buddies drop by.
Section 1: Understanding the Ingredients
To make this dish awesome, you gotta know what each part does. Every ingredient adds its own touch so you end with a meal thats tasty and comforting.
1.1 Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is simple: soft butter + minced garlic + pinch of salt. You can throw in parsley or thyme for extra taste. Some people add chili flakes or lemon zest too. It’s easy to make and you can keep it in the fridge for a week.
1.2 Steak Tips
Steak tips are little pieces of beef from cuts like sirloin, flank or tenderloin. They’re perfect for quick cooking. Marinate them in oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, pepper and some of that garlic butter. Then sear on high heat for a crusty outside and a tender inside.
1.3 Cheesy Rigatoni
Rigatoni is tube pasta that holds sauce great. Mozzarella and Parmesan are top picks because they melt good. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente (a little bite left) so it don’t get mushy when you mix it with cheese and garlic butter.
Section 2: Health Benefits of Main Ingredients
Even though this is an indulgent dish, it also packs some good nutrition if you pick the right stuff.
2.1 Garlic
Garlic is like a vitamin bomb—it’s got vitamins C and B6, manganese and selenium. Allicin, the stuff that gives garlic its smell, may help fight germs. So besides taste, it can help keep you healthier.
2.2 Beef
Beef gives you protein, iron and zinc. These are great for muscle repair and energy. If you choose lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, you get less fat but still plenty of nutrients.
2.3 Cheese and Pasta
Cheese brings calcium and extra protein, while pasta gives carbs for energy. To get more fibre, use whole-grain pasta. Just watch your portions cause they can be high in calories.
Section 3: Cooking Tools and Tips
Having the right gear makes things smoother. Here’s what you’ll need and some pointers for best results.
3.1 Essential Kitchen Tools
- Skillet (cast iron or non-stick) for searing steak
- Pasta pot big enough so rigatoni can move freely
- Measuring spoons and cups to keep things balanced
- Garlic press to mince garlic fast
- Colander for draining pasta without mush
3.2 Cooking Tips for Perfection
- Preheat your skillet so you get a good sear on steak tips. Don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of brown.
- Salt the pasta water well, it’s your only chance to season rigatoni inside out. Save some pasta water before you drain—it helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Section 4: Detailed Recipe
4.1 Ingredients List
For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:
- 1½ lbs steak tips (sirloin, flank, or tenderloin)
- 4 tablespoon garlic butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley
For the Cheesy Rigatoni:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoon reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Salt for pasta water
4.2 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Mix ½ cup softened butter with 4–5 minced garlic cloves, a pinch of salt and any herbs you like. Stir well so it’s all combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak Tips
In a bowl, toss steak tips with olive oil, salt, pepper and a couple spoonfuls of garlic butter. Let it sit 30 mins at least so it soaks up the flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Tips
Heat your skillet over med-high heat. Add steak tips in a single layer and sear 3–4 mins per side or till you like the doneness. Remove and keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Rigatoni
Boil salted water, add rigatoni and cook al dente. Reserve some water then drain. Off heat, stir cheese into the pot and add pasta water bit by bit till the sauce is creamy. Mix in garlic butter, then fold in the rigatoni.
4.3 Serving Suggestions
Plate the rigatoni and top with steak tips. Sprinkle parsley or extra Parmesan if you want. A side salad or steamed veggies makes it more balanced.
Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of beef is best for steak tips?
Sirloin, flank, or tenderloin are solid choices. Sirloin hits a nice price-flavor point, flank is lean and tenderloin is super soft but can cost more.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure, penne, fusilli or gluten-free versions work too. Just watch the cooking time cause it varies by shape and brand.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the rigatoni for a gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn or legumes. Check that all seasonings and sauces you use are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?
Yep, you can make it up to a week ahead and keep it in the fridge (or freeze for longer). Let it soften a bit before using.
How do I store leftovers?
Put leftover steak tips and pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water so the pasta stays moist.
Section 6: Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a win for any night you want rich, cozy food. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough for guests. Play around with seasonings and portion sizes to make it your own and enjoy the homey flavors.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 medium pot
- 1 colander
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the steak tips to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Return the steak tips to the skillet and gently toss everything together until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
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