Easy Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni
Easy Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni is a quick and indulgent meal combining tender, garlic-butter-kissed steak with creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish offers a rich flavor explosion with simple pantry ingredients, minimal cleanup, and family-friendly appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Boiling, Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb Ribeye or Sirloin Steak (choose a cut with good marbling)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
Cheesy Rigatoni
- 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Rigatoni: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the steak and sauce to ensure the pasta retains its perfect texture.
- Sear the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, to develop a browned crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
- Make Garlic Butter: Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to rest. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, infusing the butter with savory flavor.
- Slice the Steak: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Then thinly slice against the grain to ensure tenderness and maximum flavor absorption.
- Prepare the Cheesy Rigatoni Sauce: Return the drained rigatoni to the skillet with garlic butter. Add the heavy cream and stir well. Lower the heat and gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy, coating each pasta piece in luscious sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Gently toss the sliced steak into the cheesy rigatoni to evenly distribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for a satisfying, rich meal.
Notes
- Use room temperature steak for even cooking and better searing.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best to hold creamy sauce well.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter to control salt and enhance richness.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain sauce smoothness.
- Rest steak before slicing to preserve juicy tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: garlic butter steak, cheesy rigatoni, easy steak recipe, one-pan dinner, creamy pasta, family dinner