Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is pure indulgence on a plate. Imagine tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection and then bathed in a rich Cajun garlic butter, paired with al dente rigatoni coated in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-level comfort food dinner you can make right in your own kitchen.
The bold Cajun spices and aromatic garlic butter elevate the steak to something crave-worthy, while the creamy rigatoni acts as the perfect balance. It’s savory, spicy, buttery, and creamy all in one bite. The kind of dish you serve when you want to impress or just treat yourself to something wildly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
This dish is the ultimate weeknight luxury. It takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into something comforting and extravagant. The garlic butter brings an irresistible richness to the steak, while the creamy rigatoni delivers that carb-lovers dream texture. If you’re someone who loves hearty, creamy meals with bold flavors, this one is a must-try.
Plus, it cooks up quicker than you’d expect. Perfect for when you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
What Kind of Steak Works Best?
You can use ribeye, sirloin, or even New York strip for this recipe. What matters most is getting a good sear and cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces that stay tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, flank steak or skirt steak can work too—just be sure to slice thinly against the grain.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
The magic of this dish lies in its ingredients, each bringing its own rich texture and bold flavor. Together, they create a dish that’s indulgent and unforgettable. From the kick of Cajun seasoning to the luxurious finish of heavy cream and Parmesan, every component matters.
- Steak
- Cajun seasoning
- Butter
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Rigatoni pasta
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper


How To Make the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Season your steak generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While the garlic cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the garlic butter and stir well. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Use pasta water to loosen if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and steak to the creamy sauce. Toss gently until everything is coated and warmed through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate up your pasta and steak, garnishing with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving and Storing This Steak and Pasta Dish
This cheesy Cajun garlic butter steak with creamy rigatoni serves about four people generously. It’s a hearty dinner option that will leave your guests full and happy. Serve it hot, straight out of the skillet, for the best flavor and texture.
To store leftovers, let everything cool to room temperature first. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and restore its creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate.
What to Serve With Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni?
Garlic Bread
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish.
Grilled Asparagus
The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus complements the Cajun spices in the steak.
Roasted Broccoli
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Mushrooms cooked in butter and thyme add a savory side that pairs well with steak.
Creamed Spinach
The velvety texture of creamed spinach matches beautifully with the creamy rigatoni.
Corn on the Cob
A sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a simple but delicious addition to your plate.
Sparkling Lemon Water
A fresh citrus drink cuts through the richness and resets your palate with each sip.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?
If this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni had you swooning, then these other comfort-filled creations will definitely earn a spot on your menu:
- Try the spicy-creamy combo of One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for another bold twist.
- Craving Tex-Mex? You’ll love the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini packed with savory beef and cheesy sauce.
- For a creamy chicken dream, check out Creamy Chicken and Broccoli, a great family-friendly comfort meal.
- If you want something extra hearty, the Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake has that midwestern cozy vibe.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip up this creamy Cajun magic anytime.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra cheesy or kick up the spice? Did you add shrimp or keep it steak-only?
I love hearing your kitchen spins on my recipes. Ask questions, share tips, or just say hi – this space is for all of us food lovers.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni is not just a dinner, it’s a full-on flavor experience. Perfect for when you want something rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy. The Cajun-spiced steak and luscious rigatoni come together in a way that’ll make you feel like a pro chef. So next time you’re craving bold flavors and comfort food vibes, give this a go—you won’t regret it.


Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This cheesy Cajun garlic butter steak with creamy rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy Cajun-seasoned steak bites paired with creamy Parmesan rigatoni for a spicy, rich, and satisfying dinner recipe. Perfect for steak pasta lovers!
Ingredients
1 pound steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Season steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
5. Add heavy cream to the skillet, stir, and mix in Parmesan until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Combine pasta and steak into the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and creaminess.
Don’t overcook the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Let steak rest before adding it back to the sauce for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
