What cut of steak is best for Cajun Steak Tips?

Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices for Cajun steak tips. They offer good flavor and tenderness when properly cooked.

How do you make the steak tips tender?

Marinating the steak tips in a mixture of Cajun seasoning, oil, and a touch of acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) can help tenderize the meat. Searing them at high heat and not overcooking them is also crucial.

What Cajun seasoning should I use?

There are many good Cajun seasoning blends available. Look for one with a balance of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Or, make your own!

How do I make a good Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce?

Start by making a classic tomato-based sauce. Then, incorporate heavy cream and lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in a touch of butter for richness. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and potentially a little garlic.

Can I add vegetables to Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and even spinach work well. Sauté the vegetables with the steak tips or add them to the sauce while it simmers.

How long does it take to cook Cajun Steak Tips?

The cooking time depends on the steak tip size and desired doneness. Generally, sear the tips over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. For the sauce and rigatoni, allow about 20-30 minutes of simmering/cooking time.

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe 2026

Name: Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American Cajun Fusion
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk, warmed; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

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This hearty, protein-packed meal proves that eating well doesn’t require a fancy grocery haul or expensive cuts of meat. Using sirloin tips and a handful of pantry spices builds incredible flavor on a very reasonable budget. It’s a cozy, one-pan dinner where spicy Cajun steak meets a rich, creamy parmesan sauce for a comforting weeknight win.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 45min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: American Cajun Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds sirloin steak tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound rigatoni pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni to al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Pat steak cubes dry. Toss with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet/Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear steak in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in warm milk and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, whisking often, until thickened (5-7 min).
Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and white pepper. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
Add cooked pasta and seared steak tips to the sauce. Gently toss and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Pat steak dry for a good sear. Warm milk prevents lumps in sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best. Adjust cayenne for heat preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 720
Sugar: 10
Sodium: 950
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 13
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 68
Fiber: 3
Protein: 48
Cholesterol: 120

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/cajun-steak-tips-cheesy-rigatoni-parmesan-sauce/