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- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or flank steak) - 12 oz rigatoni pasta - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni brings bold flavors to your dinner table. The steak tips are the star, tender and juicy. I often use sirloin or flank steak for this dish. Both cuts work well and add great taste. Rigatoni pasta adds a nice bite and holds the sauce well. The Cajun seasoning gives a spicy kick. I like to use about two tablespoons for a balanced flavor. For veggies, I choose a mix of colorful bell peppers, onion, and garlic. The red and green bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. The onion brings a nice depth, while garlic adds aromatic goodness. Creaminess comes from heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Together, they create a rich, smooth sauce. I finish it with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for a pop of color. Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to a flavorful dinner delight! First, grab a mixing bowl and put the steak tips in it. Add two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix the steak well to coat all pieces. Let the steak marinate for 15 minutes. This step makes the steak super tasty. While the steak marinates, fill a large pot with water and add some salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Before draining, save one cup of the starchy pasta water. This water helps later. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak tips. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes, turning them to brown all sides. When done, take the steak out and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft. Then, add three minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. Next, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir it into the veggies. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken nicely. Now, add the cooked rigatoni and seared steak tips to the skillet. Toss everything together well. Add one cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and mix until melted. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Marinating the steak tips is key. This step allows the Cajun seasoning to soak in. I suggest marinating for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit longer for deeper flavor. For perfect steak searing, use a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the steak tips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps create a nice crust. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes. To avoid overcooking rigatoni, boil in salted water. Follow package directions for cooking time. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it cooks to al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Reserving pasta water helps create a creamy sauce. The starchy water adds a silky texture. Save at least one cup of it before draining the pasta. Garnishing with parsley and Parmesan adds flavor and color. After plating, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. For serving, consider a large bowl or individual plates. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy. Present it hot for the best taste experience. {{image_4}} You can swap steak for chicken or shrimp. Chicken adds a mild flavor that pairs well with the spicy Cajun seasoning. Simply cut boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. Shrimp cooks quickly and brings a lovely sweetness. Just sauté it for a few minutes until it turns pink. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms or tofu. Both absorb flavors well. Cube the tofu and sauté it until golden. For mushrooms, use a mix of cremini and portobello for a meaty texture. Want milder Cajun steak tips rigatoni? Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. Start with just one tablespoon and taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat. If you love spice, add chili flakes to the cream sauce. A pinch goes a long way. Start small and adjust to your heat preference. You can change the creaminess of the sauce easily. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will lighten the dish but still keep it rich. For cheese lovers, try adding different cheeses. Gouda or mozzarella can make the sauce extra creamy. Just stir in the cheese until melted and smooth. To store your leftovers, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Keep the Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni in the fridge. You can enjoy it for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down first before sealing it. For reheating, the best method is using the stove. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it slowly over medium-low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Yes, you can freeze Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni. Use airtight containers or freezer bags for best results. Make sure to remove excess air. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps maintain quality and flavor. Yes, you can easily make Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni spicier. Here are a few ways to add heat: - Use more Cajun seasoning. Start with an extra teaspoon. - Add red pepper flakes for a kick. Sprinkle them in while cooking. - Include diced jalapeños. Sauté them with the vegetables for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with several side options. Consider: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh green salad for a light contrast. - Roasted vegetables to enhance the meal with more flavors. Yes, Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and steak in advance. Store them separately. - Assemble the dish when you're ready to eat. Keep the cream sauce separate to maintain texture. - Use airtight containers for storage. This helps keep it fresh longer. Absolutely! If you want to switch up the pasta, try these options: - Penne for a similar shape and texture. - Fusilli for a fun twist that holds sauce well. - Gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Just adjust cooking times as needed. This blog post detailed a delicious Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni recipe. We covered the key ingredients, from steak tips to fresh vegetables and Parmesan. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, cooking, and creating a creamy sauce. You'll also find tips for saving time, adjusting spice levels, and presenting your dish. Explore variations and storage options to elevate your meal. I hope you feel inspired to try this dish and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni

Savor the bold flavors of Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni with this easy and delectable recipe! Marinated steak tips are combined with colorful bell peppers, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with taste. Whether it's for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish will impress everyone. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb steak tips (sirloin or flank steak), cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

12 oz rigatoni pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Toss them thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated in the spices. Allow the steak to marinate for approximately 15 minutes, enhancing the flavor profile.

    While the steak is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, saving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

      In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak tips to the skillet and sear them for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides. Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

        In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and vibrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.

          Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine the cream with the sautéed vegetables. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

            To the cream sauce, add the cooked rigatoni, seared steak tips, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until combined. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired level of creaminess. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

              Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a minute, allowing flavors to meld before serving.

                - Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese to add a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this hearty dish!