Description
Sizzling garlic butter steak tips mingle with creamy cheesy rigatoni, creating a comforting Italian-American dinner sensation. Rich flavors and tender meat promise a satisfying meal that draws you into a culinary embrace of pure deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Fats and Oils:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Initiate pasta preparation by bringing a generously salted water vessel to an energetic boil, then immerse rigatoni and cook until achieving perfect al dente texture per package guidance, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta transforms, thoroughly season protein pieces with aromatic salt, cracked pepper, and garlic powder for enhanced flavor profile.
- Activate a heavy-bottomed skillet over robust medium-high temperature, introducing a thin layer of olive oil to create an ideal searing environment.
- Carefully introduce seasoned protein fragments into hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich caramelized exterior by cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side; transfer seared morsels to a temporary holding plate.
- Reduce skillet temperature to moderate heat, melting butter and introducing finely chopped garlic, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for roughly 60 seconds.
- Gently stream heavy cream into the skillet, sprinkling Italian herb blend and allowing liquid to approach a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious base.
- Gradually incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring consistently until sauce achieves a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Reintroduce cooked rigatoni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta tube becomes thoroughly coated with the decadent mixture.
- Delicately return seared protein pieces back into the skillet, folding gently to integrate all components without disrupting their perfect texture.
- Finish the dish by drizzling remaining butter and scattering fresh parsley across the surface, presenting a restaurant-quality meal ready for immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Pat steak tips dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear without excess moisture.
- Let steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking and juiciness.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution and achieving a restaurant-quality sear on the meat.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute rigatoni with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Control heat carefully when making the sauce to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly compared to pre-packaged shredded varieties.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme or rosemary to customize the dish’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 757
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 745 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 144 mg