Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s hearty, customizable, incredibly flavorful, fast to prepare, versatile, and perfect for pasta lovers. The garlic butter brings bold depth, while the rigatoni absorbs sauce beautifully, creating a comforting, cohesive dish.
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Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni: A Rich, Hearty Pasta Dish Bursting with Flavor
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender garlic-butter seared steak tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni in a creamy, savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), sliced into strips
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain and set aside.
- Season steak strips with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cooked rigatoni and steak to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add splashes of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before the cream.
- Swap rigatoni for penne or fettuccine.
- Great with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rigatoni pasta
Provides sturdy texture and hollow centers that catch the garlic butter sauce.
Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip)
Offers tender, juicy bites that elevate the entire dish.
Butter
Creates the rich, savory base of the sauce and helps caramelize the steak.
Olive oil
Helps achieve a golden sear and prevents the butter from burning.
Garlic
Infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic flavor.
Parmesan cheese
Adds nutty, salty richness and blends into the sauce.
Beef broth or pasta water
Lightens the butter sauce and helps it cling to the rigatoni.
Italian seasoning or fresh herbs
Adds subtle herbiness that complements the buttery steak.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for seasoning both pasta and steak.
Fresh parsley
Adds brightness and a fresh finish.
Directions
Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water for the sauce, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, pat the steak dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and part of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer, allowing them to sear until browned on all sides while staying tender inside. Remove the steak and set aside.
Reduce heat and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to brown it too much. Pour in a splash of beef broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up browned bits to create a flavorful base. Stir in Parmesan until a glossy sauce forms.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Return the steak to the pan and mix gently. Allow everything to heat through for a minute or two. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and prevent dryness. Avoid overcooking the steak during reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni
Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Mushroom Steak Rigatoni
Sauté mushrooms before adding garlic for an earthy dimension.
Spicy Steak Rigatoni
Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat.
Truffle Twist
Drizzle with a bit of truffle oil for upscale flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Version
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and tang.
Steak & Spinach Rigatoni
Stir in spinach at the end until wilted.
Balsamic Finish
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.
Herb-Loaded Pasta
Use fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to deepen flavor.
Blue Cheese Garnish
Crumble blue cheese over the top for bold richness.
Chicken Swap
Replace steak with chicken breast or thighs.
FAQs
What steak cut works best?
Sirloin is affordable and tender, while ribeye adds extra richness.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes—penne, ziti, or fusilli work well.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Sear quickly at high heat and avoid overcooking.
Can I make the sauce creamy?
Yes—add cream or extra butter and Parmesan.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Do I need beef broth?
No—reserved pasta water works well and emulsifies the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—broccoli, peas, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.
Can I meal prep this?
It’s best fresh but can be reheated with added liquid.
Should I slice or cube the steak?
Either works, but bite-sized cubes maximize tenderness.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, though you can reduce garlic or pepper for mildness.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak with Rigatoni brings together juicy steak, tender pasta, and a luxuriously simple garlic butter sauce for a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or cozy family dinners, it offers rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. With customizable variations and quick prep, this recipe is sure to become a pasta-night favorite.
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