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Easy Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

Easy Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni

Easy Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni is a delicious and comforting meal combining tender, juicy steak seared in garlic butter with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. This recipe offers rich flavors and a hearty texture that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or small gatherings, while being easy and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Seasoning

  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, trimmed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Cheesy Rigatoni

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
  2. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  4. Combine Cheesy Rigatoni: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently to slightly thicken. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth. Toss in the cooked rigatoni until well coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
  5. Finish and Serve: Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Return the steak to the skillet with garlic butter for a quick warm-up. Serve the steak alongside or on top of the cheesy rigatoni. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Choose a quality steak with good marbling for juicy, tender results.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect steak doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Freshly minced garlic provides the best vibrant flavor for the sauce.
  • Add cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed for a silkier texture.
  • Rest the steak before slicing to preserve its juices and tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter steak, cheesy rigatoni, steak dinner, comforting meal, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, quick steak recipe