If rich, creamy pasta and spicy, seared steak had a love child, this would be it. These Cajun steak tips are perfectly caramelized with smoky heat, nestled into tender rigatoni bathed in a luxuriously cheesy Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a one-pan-ish wonder that feels like a restaurant-level treat, but trust me—you can whip this up on a weeknight. Each bite delivers that craveable kick of Cajun spice, softened by the mellow richness of the sauce and those ridged rigatoni noodles catching every drop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Cajun flavors that wake up your taste buds

Super creamy cheesy Parmesan sauce—like mac & cheese’s fancy cousin
Juicy, pan-seared steak tips with that irresistible crust
Rigatoni pasta that holds onto all the saucy goodness

Comes together in under 40 minutes—yes, really!
Feels like a splurge, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients

Recipe Snapshot

Feature	Details
Category	Dinner
Cuisine	Cajun-American fusion
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes
Servings	4
Focus Keyword	Cajun steak tips

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the magic to happen (exact measurements in the recipe card below!):

Rigatoni pasta – The ridges catch all that cheesy sauce—don’t sub with something too smooth!
Steak tips – Go for sirloin or ribeye chunks for that juicy bite. Room temp before cooking = best sear.
Cajun seasoning – Brings the heat and a smoky depth. Homemade or store-bought both work.

Garlic – Fresh is best for that sweet-savory punch.
Heavy cream – The creamy base of the Parmesan sauce. Don’t skimp here.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated, please! It melts smoother and packs more flavor.

Butter – For searing the steak and boosting that savory base.
Olive oil – Helps get that golden sear without burning.
Salt & pepper – To bring everything into balance.

📌 Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions!

How to Make Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

1. Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rigatoni till just shy of al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain.

🔄 Tip: Undercook the pasta slightly—it’ll finish in the sauce for max flavor absorption.

2. Sear the Steak Tips

Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a hot skillet. Toss steak tips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in batches until deeply browned on the outside but still juicy inside. Set aside.

💥 Don’t overcrowd the pan—steak needs room to brown, not steam.

3. Make the Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat and add more butter and garlic. Sauté till fragrant, then pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan until smooth and melty.

🧀 Want it extra cheesy? Add a handful of mozzarella or fontina too.

4. Combine It All

Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen it up. Gently fold in the seared Cajun steak tips. Let it simmer just long enough for everything to mingle.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Steak Tips Pasta

Let the steak rest before slicing so those juices stay locked in.
Grate the Parmesan yourself for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded won’t cut it.

Add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of white wine to brighten the cream sauce.
Taste as you go! Cajun blends vary in spice level.

Flavor Variations

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni – Sub chicken breast or thighs.

Veggie Lovers’ Twist – Toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Extra Heat – Add crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Herb Boost – Finish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun steak tips pasta is rich, so keep sides simple:

Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette

Roasted broccoli or asparagus

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Cook steak tips ahead and store separately; reheat just before serving.
Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead—store in the fridge and gently reheat.

Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing—the creamy sauce may separate. But if you must, freeze in portions and reheat gently while stirring constantly.

Reheating

Microwave with a splash of cream or broth, stirring halfway.
On the stovetop, reheat slowly on low with extra cream or pasta water.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef for Cajun steak tips?
Yes! Sirloin is ideal, but flank, ribeye, or even tenderloin work beautifully—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It can be! Try a milder blend if you’re sensitive to heat, or make your own to control the spice.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half works in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy-free version, try unsweetened coconut cream.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even rotini all hold sauce well, but rigatoni really shines here.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce recipe is comfort food with a fiery twist—creamy, dreamy, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at dinner, this dish delivers big flavor with very little fuss. Light a candle, pour a glass of red, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.