This Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss is the ultimate indulgent meal that combines perfectly seared steaks with a creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. Rich in flavor, the garlic butter steak brings out the savory and buttery notes, while the rigatoni is enveloped in a luscious parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. This recipe is a perfect blend of juicy steak and cheesy pasta that will satisfy your taste buds with every bite. Whether for a special dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together two beloved components: juicy, perfectly seasoned steak and a creamy, cheesy pasta. The steak is seared to perfection and coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, while the rigatoni is drenched in a rich parmesan cream sauce that features aromatic herbs and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. The sun-dried tomatoes offer a unique burst of umami and tang, balancing the richness of the cream sauce. The combination of steak and pasta makes this dish a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a romantic night in, this dish will certainly be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

Strip steaks
Olive oil
Butter
Minced garlic
Kinder’s Buttery Steak Seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning)
Kinder’s The Blend Seasoning (or a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder)

For the Sauce:

Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Red pepper flakes
Oregano
Thyme
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

Variations

Steak Substitutes: If you prefer a different cut of steak, ribeye or filet mignon are excellent alternatives. Each cut will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work well with this garlic butter sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian meal. The cheesy rigatoni will still provide plenty of richness.
Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat or mix in some crushed chili peppers to kick up the spice level.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or rosemary for an alternative flavor profile in the sauce. These herbs add freshness and an aromatic touch to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by seasoning both sides of the strip steaks with Kinder’s Buttery Steak Seasoning and The Blend Seasoning (or your own salt, pepper, and garlic powder mix). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of cooking, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them against the grain.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce

In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let the broth cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix them into the sauce. Let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni

While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the rigatoni in the sauce to coat the pasta completely in the cheesy, creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Slice the rested steaks into thin strips and arrange them on top of the cheesy rigatoni. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the steak for added flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Searing the Steak: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steaks to get a nice sear on each side. Don’t move the steak around too much while it’s cooking to ensure a good crust.
Resting the Steak: Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.
Cheese Quality: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and adds a richer taste.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce further. For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or cream.

How to Serve

Serve the Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss as a main dish with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter meal, you could serve it with a fresh green salad and a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the steak and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover steak and cheesy rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the steak and pasta separate if possible to maintain their textures. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the leftover pasta and sauce for up to 1 month. The steak may lose some of its tenderness after freezing, but the pasta and sauce will still taste delicious. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Reheat the steak separately to avoid overcooking it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe? Yes, ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak would work well in this recipe.
Can I make the rigatoni sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before adding the cooked pasta.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes? If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or a handful of chopped fresh tomatoes for a different flavor.
Can I make this recipe without cream? You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream for a lighter sauce.
How do I make the steak more tender? Make sure to let the steak rest after cooking, and slice it against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Can I make the rigatoni with a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, farfalle, or any pasta shape you prefer.
Is this recipe spicy? The level of spice is mild due to the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to make it spicier if you like.
Can I use store-bought steak seasoning? Yes, feel free to use your favorite steak seasoning blend in place of the recommended brands.
Can I serve this dish with a side? Yes, a green salad or roasted vegetables would be great accompaniments to this rich and creamy dish.
How can I make the sauce thicker? Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes, or add more parmesan cheese to thicken it to your liking.

Conclusion

The Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss is a rich, flavorful dish that combines juicy steak with a creamy parmesan sauce and tender rigatoni pasta. With the perfect balance of savory and cheesy flavors, it’s an irresistible meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a hearty dinner, this recipe has everything you need for a satisfying and indulgent meal.