This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss is a dish that combines two of the most beloved ingredients: steak and pasta. The tender strip steaks, seared to perfection and drizzled with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, paired with the creamy, cheesy rigatoni, make for an indulgent meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. With rich, savory flavors and a comforting texture, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. The garlic butter sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and the delightful kick from sun-dried tomatoes, adds depth to the steak, while the rigatoni bathes in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. A true crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a delightful way to elevate your next meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of garlic butter, rich Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor explosion. It’s savory, creamy, and subtly spicy.

2. Quick and Easy

Despite its decadent taste, this dish comes together in no time. The steak is seared to perfection while the pasta cooks, and the sauce is easy to whip up.

3. Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re serving family or friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s hearty and satisfying, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal.

4. Versatile Ingredients

The ingredients are simple yet versatile. You can easily swap in your favorite steak cuts or adjust the seasoning to your preference.

5. Comforting and Indulgent

If you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, this dish delivers. The combination of steak and creamy pasta offers a luxurious yet comforting experience.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

Strip steaks
Olive oil
Butter
Minced garlic
Kinder’s Buttery Steak Seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning)
Kinder’s The Blend Seasoning (or a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder)

For the Sauce:

Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Red pepper flakes
Oregano
Thyme
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Variations

Steak Alternatives: Instead of strip steaks, you can use ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon for a different cut of beef.
Pasta Substitutes: If you don’t have rigatoni, you can use penne, fusilli, or any other pasta of your choice.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the strip steaks with the Buttery Steak Seasoning and The Blend Seasoning. Once the skillet is hot, add the steaks and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside to rest.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow the broth to reduce for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Seasonings

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer again. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Rigatoni

While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and toss with the creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Slice the rested steaks into strips and serve them over the cheesy rigatoni. Pour any remaining sauce over the steak and pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or herbs, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Steak: For the best results, cook the steak to medium-rare or medium for maximum tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and give your sauce a smoother, richer flavor.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more later if you like heat.
Let the Steak Rest: Allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures that the juices are redistributed, making the meat more tender and flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve the Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss in individual bowls or on large platters for a family-style meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, would complement the flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak and pasta in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezing

While freezing the entire dish is not recommended, you can freeze the garlic butter sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving with freshly cooked steak and pasta.

Reheating

To reheat, simply heat the steak and pasta in a pan over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more cream or chicken broth to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.

2. Can I make this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes or substitute them with roasted red peppers for a similar flavor.

3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work well. Use half the amount of dried oregano and thyme as you would fresh.

4. How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.

5. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle can be used in place of rigatoni.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

7. Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute.

9. How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter in the sauce.

10. Can I cook the steak on the grill instead of in a pan?

Yes, you can grill the steak to your desired doneness and then follow the recipe as usual for the sauce.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss is a satisfying and flavorful dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With its combination of tender steak, creamy pasta, and aromatic sauce, it’s a true comfort food classic with a touch of gourmet flair. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave everyone at the table wanting more. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent yet simple-to-make meal!