Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss. This dish combines the richness of a perfectly seared steak with the creamy, cheesy goodness of rigatoni pasta, all brought together with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Each bite is a delightful fusion of tender steak, savory seasonings, and a luscious cheese sauce that will leave you craving more.

The steak, seasoned to perfection with buttery steak seasoning and cooked in rich garlic butter, delivers a mouthwatering depth of flavor. Paired with rigatoni coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce with the added brightness of sun-dried tomatoes, this meal is the ideal balance of rich and fresh. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish will impress your taste buds and anyone you’re sharing it with.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Seared Steak

The strip steaks are seasoned with buttery steak seasoning and seared in garlic butter, making them tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The combination of seasoning and butter gives the steak a rich, satisfying taste.

2. Creamy and Flavorful Sauce

The sauce for the rigatoni is a creamy, cheesy blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like oregano and thyme. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a touch of tang and sweetness, making the sauce irresistible.

3. Hearty and Satisfying

This dish provides a satisfying combination of protein from the steak and carbs from the rigatoni, making it a filling and comforting meal for any occasion.

4. Rich Garlic Butter Flavor

The garlic butter sauce that coats the steak and enhances the rigatoni brings a layer of depth and flavor that ties the entire dish together.

5. Easy Yet Elegant

While this dish looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require complicated ingredients, making it perfect for a special night in or when you’re entertaining guests.

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
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Variations

Steak Variations: You can use other cuts of steak such as ribeye or filet mignon if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the desired doneness.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, swap the steak for grilled vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add a vegetarian-friendly cheese to the sauce for a fully plant-based option.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce to enhance the spice level if you like a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, swap the rigatoni for gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Season the strip steaks with Kinder’s Buttery Steak Seasoning and Kinder’s The Blend Seasoning, or your favorite steak seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your desired doneness. Remove the steaks from the pan and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni

While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy cheese sauce. Let the pasta absorb the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Slice the Steak

Once the steaks have rested, slice them thinly against the grain.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Serve the cheesy rigatoni on plates, topping with slices of the garlic butter steak. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream if it’s too thick, or more chicken broth if it’s too thin.
Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce as it simmers.
Pasta Tip: If the sauce starts to absorb too much into the pasta, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this dish with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The steak and cheesy rigatoni can stand on their own, but a light vegetable dish or garlic bread would complement the rich flavors beautifully. If you want to take it up a notch, top the steak with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak may be best kept separate from the pasta to prevent it from absorbing too much sauce. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to the sauce to keep it creamy.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, store the steak and pasta separately. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, be sure to stir in extra cream or broth to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a little cream or chicken broth to adjust the consistency. Reheat the steak separately, either in the microwave or by searing it in a hot pan for a couple of minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use other cuts of steak such as ribeye, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it over low heat, adding more cream if necessary.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, but rigatoni works well because its large tubes hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

4. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce, or drizzle some hot sauce on top of the finished dish for an extra kick.

5. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, light cream can be used, but it may not be as rich and creamy as heavy cream.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the pasta for more texture and flavor.

7. Can I use pre-grated cheese?

While freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for this sauce, you can use pre-grated cheese in a pinch. However, freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.

8. How do I keep the steak tender?

Avoid overcooking the steak. Let it rest after cooking, as this helps retain the juices for a tender, juicy steak.

9. Can I add herbs to the steak?

Yes, you can sprinkle fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme on the steak while cooking for added flavor.

10. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth and any seasonings are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, flavorful steak with creamy, cheesy pasta. The rich garlic butter sauce and sun-dried tomatoes add depth and brightness to the dish, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Simple yet indulgent, it’s a true crowd-pleaser!