When you’re craving a bold, comforting, and completely satisfying meal, nothing beats Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni.
This dish marries juicy, seared steak tips swimming in garlicky butter with creamy, melty rigatoni pasta — a true match made in comfort food heaven. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just indulging yourself after a long day, this recipe promises flavor, texture, and just the right amount of indulgence.

Let’s dive deep into what makes this dish a weeknight hero and weekend showstopper.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

There’s something undeniably luxurious about steak tips cooked in garlic butter. Add cheesy rigatoni to the mix, and you’ve got a one-skillet meal that looks gourmet but comes together with minimal effort. What makes this dish so irresistible?

• Tender, juicy steak — perfectly seared for caramelized edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center.

• Savory garlic butter sauce coats every bite in rich, flavorful goodness.

• Cheesy rigatoni pasta — with gooey cheese that wraps around every noodle and complements the meat beautifully.

Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour and easy to scale up for gatherings or leftovers. No fancy ingredients, just real comfort food.

Bringing the Steakhouse Experience Home

You don’t need to book a reservation or splurge at a high-end steakhouse to enjoy a gourmet meal. This recipe brings that same indulgence to your kitchen — no fancy equipment or hours of prep required. The key lies in the balance of textures and flavors. The tender steak offers a meaty chew, the rigatoni adds bite, and the luscious cheese sauce blankets it all in silky richness. It’s a five-star dish served up on a weeknight schedule.

Why Garlic Butter Never Goes Out of Style

There’s a reason garlic butter is a beloved staple in so many recipes. It’s the kind of flavor combination that satisfies the senses and enhances nearly every ingredient it touches. In this dish, it infuses the steak with a deep, savory aroma and adds richness to every mouthful. Garlic has a natural ability to elevate umami, and when it’s swirled into warm, melted butter, the result is pure culinary magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

For the Steak Tips:

• 1½ pounds steak tips (sirloin or ribeye recommended), cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Heat a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water for the sauce, just in case you need to thin it later.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

Pat steak tips dry with paper towels to ensure they sear, not steam. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat.

Add steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and stir continuously for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Return the steak tips to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter. Turn off the heat and cover.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring until smooth.

Bring to a low simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water. Spoon cheesy rigatoni onto plates or into bowls, then top generously with garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with more Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

What Makes This Recipe a Standout? Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Garlic + Butter = Flavor Bomb

The combination of garlic and butter never fails. But when it coats tender steak tips? You get a silky, savory flavor that soaks into every bite of pasta.

Steak Tips Done Right

Searing steak tips until they’re browned on the outside and tender inside adds unbeatable depth and a mouthwatering aroma. Quick-cooking and packed with flavor, they elevate this pasta beyond the ordinary.

Cheesy Rigatoni Goodness

Rigatoni is perfect here. Its ridges and hollow centers hold onto that luscious cheese sauce, delivering flavor in every forkful. And using a trio of cheeses adds richness, creaminess, and that slight tang from Parmesan.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

• Choose the Right Steak: Sirloin or ribeye gives you a balance of tenderness and flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing the steak in batches ensures a proper crust.

• Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic lacks the bold flavor that freshly minced cloves bring.

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Store-bought shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect meltability.

• Balance the Sauce: Taste as you go — the sharp cheddar balances the richness, but you can adjust the cheese mix to your liking.

Delicious Add-ins and Variations

Craving a little something extra? You can easily customize this dish.

• Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy note that pairs perfectly with the steak.

• Try spinach or kale: Stir in greens at the end for color and nutrition.

• Use different cheeses: Gouda, provolone, or gruyère work beautifully in the cheese sauce.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle with hot sauce for heat lovers.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Tips and Cheesy Rigatoni

This dish is rich and filling, so sides should be light and refreshing.

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts

• Crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce

• Garlic green beans for a bright, crisp contrast

Storage and Reheating Instructions: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

This dish makes amazing leftovers — here’s how to store and reheat without losing flavor:

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Freeze: You can freeze the cheese pasta and steak separately, though cream sauces may change texture slightly.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~720

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 45g

• Carbs: 38g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 850mg

FAQs: Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, cavatappi, or shells are excellent options that cling to the cheese sauce just as well.

What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin is budget-friendly and flavorful. Ribeye brings extra richness, whereas filet mignon provides the most tender choice.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the cheese sauce and steak tips in advance. Reheat gently and combine before serving for best results.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
It’ll work, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce.

Can I lighten it up?
Use half-and-half instead of cream, or swap some of the butter with olive oil for a lighter spin.

Final Thoughts: A Decadent Pasta Worth Craving

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. Between the succulent steak, rich and creamy cheese sauce, and hearty pasta, every bite delivers bold, indulgent flavor.

Whether you’re making dinner for two or feeding a hungry family, this dish is sure to steal the show. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance — and one that’s destined to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

So next time you’re staring at a pack of steak tips and a box of pasta, remember: You’re just a few steps away from culinary greatness.

Here’s a savory trio of hearty, comforting dishes that hit all the right spots:

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce
  Juicy steak bites cooked in garlic butter, drizzled with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
  A simple, flavorful one-pan meal with crispy chicken and tender roasted potatoes smothered in garlic and Parmesan.

• Best Meatloaf Recipe – Perfect
  Classic comfort food with a juicy, perfectly seasoned meatloaf that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ideal for a cozy dinner that’s packed with bold, satisfying flavors!