Decadent Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Welcome to a flavor-packed journey with our Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan recipe! Imagine tender steak bites seasoned with a spicy Cajun blend, nestled in a creamy, cheesy mozzarella-parmesan sauce, all coating perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This dish is the epitome of comfort with a hint of heat in every delicious bite.

When the craving for a steakhouse experience meets the desire for a hearty pasta dish, this recipe is the answer. The marriage of Cajun seasoning, juicy steak, and rich cheese sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends gathering around the table in anticipation.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with loved ones, this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan dish is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your taste—swap the steak for chicken, play with different pasta shapes, or add extra spice for a kick. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this easy yet indulgent recipe that brings joy to every forkful.

Quick Benefits

• Satisfying Comfort Food: A hearty and creamy pasta dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun steak with a cheesy mozzarella-parmesan blend, providing pure comfort and a spicy kick in every bite.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customizable with different types of pasta, protein options, and spice levels to suit personal preferences and ingredient availability.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, and reheating is a breeze in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, maintaining the creaminess of the sauce and the tenderness of the steak.
• Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish can be jazzed up with additional toppings like parsley and crushed red pepper, served alongside a fresh salad, or as a communal skillet for a fun party spread.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Cheesy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

• Flavorful and Spicy: The Cajun seasoning, garlic, and smoked paprika create a flavorful and spicy dish that will delight your taste buds.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream results in a rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta and steak.
• Comfort Food with a Kick: This dish offers the comfort of cheesy pasta but with a Cajun kick, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal for cozy nights in.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of pasta, meats, or adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your preferences.
• Family-Friendly and Easy to Make: Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is simple to prepare and offers a crowd-pleasing combination of steak and pasta that everyone will love.
• Great for Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated easily, maintaining their creamy texture and delicious flavors for up to three days.
• Flexible Ingredients: Don’t have rigatoni? No problem! Penne or fusilli work well. You can also substitute the steak with chicken or adjust the creaminess by using different dairy options like half and half or Greek yogurt.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This dish can be a great option for parties or gatherings. Serve it straight from the skillet and let guests customize their portions with extra parsley and crushed red pepper.
• Fusion of Culinary Traditions: Combining the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with creamy Italian-style pasta sauce creates a unique and comforting fusion dish that celebrates two distinct culinary traditions.

Ingredients for Decadent Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Steak Tips

• 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 680 g sirloin or ribeye steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni

• 110 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 120 ml whole milk
• 100 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 115 g cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 360 ml heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• 340 g rigatoni pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pro Tips for Decadent Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Pro Tip 1: When cooking the steak tips, make sure your skillet is hot before adding them to get a nice sear. Give each piece of steak enough space in the pan to ensure they develop a delicious crust. If you have a lot of steak to cook, do it in batches rather than overcrowding the pan for the best results.

Pro Tip 2: To achieve a smooth and creamy sauce, start by melting the cream cheese over medium heat and blending it well. Gradually add the shredded cheeses while stirring constantly to prevent clumping. This method will give you a velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Pro Tip 3: Leftovers can be easily reheated in a skillet for a creamy result. Add a splash of milk or cream while gently heating the dish, stirring continuously. This will help maintain the creaminess of the sauce and keep the steak tender.

How to Make Decadent Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Finish and Serve

Divide onto plates, sprinkle generously with chopped parsley, and enjoy immediately while hot.

Step 2: Combine Pasta and Steak Tips

Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheesy sauce and mix in the steak. Let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Cheeses and Seasoning

Gradually combine both cheeses and Cajun seasoning, whisk well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If sauce thickens, add a small amount of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese until smooth and melted.

Step 5: Sear the Cajun Steak Tips

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. In a bowl, combine steak bites with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear the steak in the hot pan, turning to cook all sides until dark golden and cooked to your liking. Halfway through, add butter and baste the steak. Rest the steak before serving.

Step 6: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just tender according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan, store any leftovers properly by letting them chill completely before transferring them to a sealed container. Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream while gently stirring. This method helps maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and keeps the steak tender.

If you don’t have rigatoni on hand, penne or fusilli can be excellent substitutes as they hold the sauce well. Additionally, if you prefer chicken over steak, you can swap in chicken breast or thigh strips with extra Cajun seasoning for added flavor. To lighten the dish, consider using half and half instead of heavy cream or incorporating Greek yogurt into the sauce for a tangy twist. For a spicier variation, try using pepper jack cheese in place of mozzarella.

For serving suggestions, pair the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan with a fresh green salad drizzled with citrus dressing for a light contrast. Garlic bread or warm ciabatta can be great for soaking up any extra sauce. To make it a party dish, serve it straight from the skillet, allowing guests to customize their portions with additional parsley and crushed red pepper.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have rigatoni pasta on hand, feel free to substitute with penne or fusilli for a similar texture that holds sauces well. For a protein swap, chicken breast or thigh strips can replace the steak; adjust by adding more Cajun seasoning for enhanced flavor. To lighten up the dish, consider using half and half instead of heavy cream, or incorporating Greek yogurt into the sauce for a tangy twist. For a spicier kick, replace the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to elevate the heat level.

When cooking the steak, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the meat to achieve a flavorful crust. Cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing each piece to sear properly. Finish off by adding butter for extra richness. When making the creamy sauce, start with medium heat and begin with the cream cheese, ensuring it blends well before gradually incorporating the shredded cheeses for a smooth, creamy consistency. If reheating leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, stirring continuously for a creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestion: For a fun twist, try serving the Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic and charming presentation. Top each skillet with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a touch of freshness. Serve with a side of warm garlic bread or crusty ciabatta to soak up every bit of the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Serving Suggestion: To elevate the flavors and textures of this dish, consider adding a side of tangy and crunchy cucumber salad with a zesty citrus dressing. The refreshing salad complements the rich and spicy Cajun steak rigatoni, creating a well-rounded meal experience. For a cozy and inviting dinner party setup, present the dish family-style in a large skillet, allowing guests to help themselves and customize their plates with extra parsley, red pepper flakes, or even a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

FAQs for Decadent Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Cheesy Parmesan Sauce

Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have rigatoni?

Sure! Rigatoni grabs onto all that sauce perfectly, but penne and ziti do the job well too if that’s what you’ve got in the cupboard.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick without being too hot. Want more heat? Just add a bit extra or use a spicier Cajun blend.

How should I reheat the leftovers?

Just warm it up gently in a skillet. A splash of milk or cream works wonders to get it creamy again. Stir while heating and you’ll have tasty leftovers.

How do I ensure a good sear on the steak pieces?

Let your skillet get hot before adding the steak tips. Don’t pile them all in at once—give each piece space to touch the pan so you get a tasty crust. If you’ve got lots, just cook a few at a time. Toss in some butter at the end for even better flavor.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan recipe as much as I do. It’s a dish that brings together the best of both Cajun and Italian flavors, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Remember, cooking is all about making the recipe your own, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients or spice levels to suit your taste. Whether you’re using penne instead of rigatoni or switching up the protein, this dish is versatile and forgiving.

So grab your skillet, whip up a batch of this delicious Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that each bite brings. Happy cooking!