If you’re looking for a pasta dish that delivers big bold flavor, rich creaminess, and juicy tender steak, this Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is one of the best comfort meals you’ll ever cook. It’s the perfect combination of spicy Cajun-seared steak paired with ultra-creamy Parmesan sauce that hugs every piece of rigatoni. This meal feels like a restaurant-style dish made right in your own kitchen—but with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Imagine juicy steak bites coated in Cajun spices, seared until they form a flavorful crust, all resting on top of perfectly cooked rigatoni tossed in a silky, cheesy Parmesan sauce. This is the kind of pasta that makes people stop talking at the dinner table and just enjoy the moment. It’s indulgent, comforting, and full of personality.

Why This Cajun Steak Pasta Is So Special

✔ The steak is tender and flavorful

Cajun seasoning creates perfect caramelization and a spicy, smoky flavor.

✔ The sauce is rich and creamy

A combination of butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan makes a sauce that coats rigatoni beautifully.

✔ Rigatoni holds sauce perfectly

Its ridges and tubular shape trap the creamy cheese sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.

✔ Bold but balanced

Spice from the Cajun seasoning + richness from the cheese = incredible harmony.

✔ Ready in under 40 minutes

A surprisingly easy dinner that tastes like a restaurant entrée.

Ingredients

For the Cajun Steak Tips

• 1.25 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt to taste

For Serving

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni

Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season the steak tips

Toss steak cubes with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil until fully coated.

3. Sear the steak

Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Start the cheesy sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add liquids

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Add Parmesan

Whisk in Parmesan until it melts into a smooth, glossy sauce. Season with pepper and salt. Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning for extra kick.

7. Toss with rigatoni

Add cooked rigatoni and stir to fully coat. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce thickens too much.

8. Add steak

Place Cajun steak tips over the creamy rigatoni or gently fold in.

9. Finish

Top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

Tender Cajun-seasoned steak tips served over creamy Parmesan rigatoni for a bold, comforting, restaurant-style pasta.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 690

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Steak Tips

• 1.25 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak cut into bites
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

• 12 oz rigatoni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning optional
• salt to taste

Toppings

• parsley chopped
• extra Parmesan

Equipment

• Skillet
• Pasta pot
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Cook rigatoni in salted water, reserve pasta water, and drain.
2. Season steak tips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Sear steak in a hot skillet until browned; remove and set aside.
4. Melt butter in the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Whisk in Parmesan until melted into a creamy sauce.
7. Add rigatoni and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed.
8. Return steak tips to the pan or serve over pasta.
9. Top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Pasta

⭐ Use high-quality steak

Sirloin is great, ribeye is incredible.

⭐ Don’t overcook the steak

Steak tips should stay juicy—sear quickly on high heat.

⭐ Grate your own Parmesan

Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creates a silkier sauce.

⭐ Add Cajun seasoning slowly

Some blends are salty—taste as you go.

⭐ Rigatoni > any other pasta

The tube shape holds steak pieces, cheese sauce, and seasoning like magic.

Variations

• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Add-In

Add shrimp with the steak for a surf-and-turf twist.

• Veggie Version

Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.

• Extra Spicy Version

Add cayenne, hot sauce, or more Cajun seasoning.

• Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread or cheesy toast
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Crispy Brussels sprouts

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:

Keeps 3–4 days in airtight containers.

Reheating:

Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Short Summary

A bold, creamy fusion pasta featuring Cajun-seared steak tips and tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious Parmesan sauce. Rich, spicy, cheesy—an instant favorite.