03/01/2026
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Mozzarella Rigatoni
Ingredients:
1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into thick steak tips
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for depth)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
12 oz rigatoni
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Pat the steak tips dry so they get a good sear. Season generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and Cajun seasoning if using.
3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to build a crust, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until browned but still tender. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover.
4. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring as it warms up. Let it gently simmer for a few minutes so it starts to thicken slightly.
6. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan gradually, stirring until fully melted and the sauce turns smooth, creamy, and glossy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni straight into the skillet and toss well so every piece is coated in the cheesy sauce.
8. Spoon the creamy rigatoni onto plates and top with the warm garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle any leftover buttery juices from the pan over the steak.
9. Finish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot while the cheese is perfectly melty.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 890 per serving
