Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak & Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni Recipe

Steak nights reach new heights with this mouthwatering garlic butter steak and creamy parmesan rigatoni that promises an explosion of rich, savory flavors.

Bold and unapologetic, the tender beef melts with buttery goodness against a backdrop of perfectly cooked pasta.

Garlic infuses every bite with its aromatic essence, creating a harmony that dances between protein and carbohydrate.

Succulent meat paired with silky rigatoni transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of robust steak and smooth, cheesy pasta that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

The combination speaks to comfort and indulgence, offering a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

This recipe guarantees a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds and praising your incredible cooking skills.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 820 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Rigatoni: Robust, tube-shaped pasta ideal for holding creamy sauces, choose high-quality bronze-cut pasta for better sauce adherence.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's natural flavor, use coarse sea salt for balanced seasoning.

• Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye): Premium cut with rich marbling, select fresh, room-temperature meat for even cooking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that amplify meat's natural flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for intense aroma.
• Olive Oil: Helps create perfect sear, choose extra virgin for superior taste and health benefits.

• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse adding depth, select fresh, firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Butter: Creates luxurious texture and rich flavor, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers silky smoothness, opt for high-fat content cream for luxurious consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, nutty undertones, select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs adding complexity, choose a mix with balanced oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools for Searing Garlic Butter Steak and Boiling Rigatoni

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly with enough space.
• Large Skillet: Primary cooking surface for searing steak and making sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring pasta and sauce smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for seasoning and preparing steak pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Used for chopping parsley and cutting steak into bite-sized pieces.
• Colander: Perfect for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning and ingredient portioning.

Cook Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni the Right Way

• Cook Pasta

Boil salted water and toss rigatoni until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside for later.

• Sear Steak Bites

Season steak pieces with salt and pepper. Heat skillet and create a golden crust on each side, cooking until your preferred doneness. Transfer steak to a warm plate.

• Create Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Quickly coat steak bites in this aromatic mixture, then set aside.

• Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Lower heat and introduce butter to the skillet. Gently add garlic, then pour in cream. Let the mixture simmer softly. Sprinkle Parmesan and Italian seasonings, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.

• Bring Everything Together

Slide rigatoni into the silky sauce, tossing until each noodle glistens. Fold in fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness.

• Plate and Serve

Arrange creamy pasta on plates, crown with juicy steak bites. Scatter extra parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Enjoy immediately while everything is piping hot.

Tips for Creamy Sauce and Perfectly Cooked Steak

• Choose tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak for the most succulent and flavorful steak bites. Trim excess fat before cutting into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to achieve your preferred steak doneness. Medium-rare is around 135°F, medium at 145°F. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and maximize tenderness.
• Swap regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients like Parmesan cheese are also gluten-free for a complete allergen-friendly meal.
• Replace steak with pan-seared portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes. Marinate alternative protein in garlic and herbs for enhanced flavor profile that mimics the original recipe's richness.

Serve Steak and Rigatoni Together Like a Pro

• Elegant Plating Paradise: Arrange the pasta in a swirl on large white plates, strategically placing the golden steak bites on top for a restaurant-style presentation that looks professionally crafted.
• Cozy Family-Style Feast: Serve the rigatoni and steak in a large communal serving dish, allowing everyone to scoop their own portions with warm garlic bread on the side for a comforting, shared meal experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich garlic butter steak with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which will enhance the savory flavors and elevate the entire dining experience.
• Fresh Texture Boost: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs over the dish for an unexpected crunch that adds delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta and tender steak bites.

Store Steak and Pasta to Enjoy Again

• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping pasta and steak separate to maintain best texture.
• Warm pasta gently in microwave with a splash of cream to restore moisture. Reheat steak in a skillet on medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Freeze sauce and steak in sealed freezer bags for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Pasta freezes less successfully, so prepare fresh when ready to serve.
• Prep steak and sauce components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store in refrigerated containers. Combine and reheat quickly before serving for a stress-free meal preparation.

FAQs

• What makes the steak tender and flavorful?

Seasoning the steak with salt and pepper before searing creates a delicious crust. Searing the steak quickly over high heat helps lock in juices and develop a rich, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly cooked.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because of its ridges that hold the sauce, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or shells. Just ensure the pasta shape has some texture to grip the creamy Parmesan sauce.

• How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?

Use a meat thermometer for precision: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. If you don’t have a thermometer, check by pressing the steak – it should feel slightly firm with a bit of give for medium-rare.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?

Heavy cream creates a rich, luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick and creamy.

Juicy Garlic Butter Steak With Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering garlic butter steak with creamy parmesan rigatoni brings Italian comfort to classic American cuisine. Rich flavors and tender meat promise a satisfying dining experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 300 g (10 oz) rigatoni pasta
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Create a generously salted water bath and cook rigatoni until perfectly al dente. Drain completely, setting aside for later integration with the creamy sauce.
2. Protein Searing: Liberally season beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a scorching skillet and sear meat to develop caramelized exteriors, ensuring a golden crust while maintaining desired internal doneness.
3. Garlic Butter Infusion: Reduce skillet heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly. Add finely minced garlic, creating an aromatic base. Gently coat seared beef in the fragrant garlic-butter emulsion, maximizing flavor absorption.
4. Parmesan Cream Sauce: Melt butter and soften garlic until translucent. Pour heavy cream into the pan, allowing gentle simmering to concentrate flavors. Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth coating.
5. Final Assembly: Fold rigatoni into the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring each pasta tube becomes completely enrobed. Disperse freshly chopped parsley throughout for vibrant color and herbaceous undertones. Plate the creamy pasta and strategically position garlic-infused beef on top. Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

Selecting Premium Ingredients: Choose high-quality beef cuts like ribeye or sirloin with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Mastering Pasta Texture: Cook rigatoni precisely al dente – typically 8-10 minutes – to maintain structural integrity and ensure optimal sauce absorption.

Temperature Control Technique: Sear beef at high heat (around 400-450°F) for maximum caramelization without overcooking, creating a golden-brown exterior while preserving juicy interior.

Sauce Consistency Secrets: Whisk Parmesan gradually into warm cream sauce to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, silky texture that coats pasta beautifully without becoming grainy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg