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with Creamy Rigatoni Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe

with Creamy Rigatoni Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

Savor the bold flavors of Cajun Garlic Butter Steak Strips paired perfectly with creamy rigatoni tossed in a rich three-cheese sauce. This hearty dish combines tender, spiced steak strips with a luscious blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creating a decadent comfort meal that’s perfect for a special dinner or whenever you crave indulgent pasta with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak

  • 1½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into strips
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rigatoni

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until tender with a slight bite, typically 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over high heat and melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the steak strips in batches to prevent overcrowding. Let them cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms, then flip and cook the other side. In the last 30 seconds, add the minced garlic and spoon the melted butter over the steak for extra flavor. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest.
  4. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  5. Simmer the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
  6. Incorporate the Cheeses: Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring continuously until smooth. Then mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce turns thick, creamy, and glossy.
  7. Toss the Rigatoni: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss well to coat every piece and fill the hollow centers. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  8. Plate and Serve: Serve the creamy rigatoni on plates, arranging the Cajun garlic butter steak strips on top or alongside. Spoon some of the buttery pan juices over the steak and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • For best results, use a cast iron skillet to achieve a perfect sear on the steak.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference to make the dish more or less spicy.
  • If cream cheese is unavailable, substitute with mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Allowing the steak to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
  • Freshly minced garlic enhances flavor more than pre-minced garlic.
  • This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun steak, garlic butter steak, creamy rigatoni, three-cheese pasta, rigatoni recipe, spicy steak strips, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://maicook.com/with-creamy-rigatoni-three-cheese-sauce-recipe/