Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is a mouthwatering dish perfect for a hearty dinner. The tender, flavorful steak tips are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by cheesy, indulgent rigatoni pasta. The combination of juicy steak and creamy mozzarella creates a delightful balance of savory and cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, this meal will be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak tips
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Cook the steak tips: Add the steak tips to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer your steak tips medium or medium-rare, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cook the rigatoni: While the steak is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine the pasta and steak tips: Once the steak tips are cooked to your liking, add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the steak and garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta and steak together until well-coated in the sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and steak mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni immediately while hot. Enjoy the indulgent flavors!
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use another type of pasta?
- Yes! You can use penne, farfalle, or any pasta you prefer.
- Can I make this dish with chicken instead of steak?
- Absolutely! You can swap the steak tips for chicken breast or thighs.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for extra heat.
- Can I use pre-cooked steak tips?
- Yes, you can add pre-cooked steak tips to the skillet and proceed with the rest of the recipe. Just ensure they’re heated through before serving.
- What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy?
- Make sure to drain the pasta well and avoid overcooking it.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Yes! Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- How do I know when the steak tips are cooked to my liking?
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is around 130-135°F, medium is 140-145°F, and medium-well is 150-155°F.
- Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
- You can cook the steak and pasta in advance, then combine and heat them up with the cheese when ready to serve.
- Can I substitute butter with olive oil?
- Yes, you can use olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for rigatoni to make the dish gluten-free.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- How long will leftovers last?
- Leftovers can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I add cream to make it extra creamy?
- Yes, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce to make it richer.
- Is this dish good for meal prepping?
- Yes, it works great for meal prepping. Just store in individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
- Can I make this without cheese?
- Of course! You can skip the cheese for a lighter version of the dish.
- Can I use other types of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses.
- How do I get the steak tips tender?
- Cut against the grain, and avoid overcooking the steak to keep it tender.
- Can I make this dish spicy without using hot sauce?
- Try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper to the steak while cooking for a flavorful kick.
- Can I use frozen steak tips?
- It’s best to thaw frozen steak tips before cooking for optimal flavor and texture.
20 Best Tips to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for a nice sear on the steak tips.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Add a little garlic powder along with the minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak. Cook in batches if needed.
- Save a little pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency.
- Toss the pasta with olive oil if you’re not combining it immediately with the steak.
- Season the steak tips well with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt.
- Cook the steak to your preferred doneness, but don’t overcook it for a tender result.
- Sauté the garlic carefully so it doesn’t burn and become bitter.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for a fresh contrast.
- For a crispy finish, broil the dish for a minute or two after adding the cheese.
- Don’t skip the pasta cooking instructions—undercooked pasta won’t absorb the sauce properly.
- Stir the pasta and steak well to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Use a high-quality steak for better texture and taste.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist on the garlic butter sauce.
- Make sure your butter is not browned when sautéing the garlic to keep the flavor smooth.
- If you like more sauce, add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream to the skillet.
- For extra richness, add a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Taste as you go—adjust salt, pepper, and garlic to suit your preferences.
Enjoy making this delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone!
