Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss

Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss is the epitome of indulgent comfort food, bringing together tender, juicy steaks and rich, creamy pasta in one delicious dish. The steak is seared to perfection and smothered in a garlic butter sauce, while the rigatoni is tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something truly satisfying, this recipe will deliver a memorable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Seared Steak

The strip steaks are seared in olive oil and butter, creating a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The addition of garlic and steak seasoning elevates the flavor to new heights.

2. Creamy, Cheesy Rigatoni

The rigatoni is tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with Parmesan, heavy cream, and chicken broth, creating a velvety texture that perfectly complements the savory steak.

3. Flavor Explosion

From the savory garlic butter steak to the spicy kick of red pepper flakes and the depth of sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds craving more.

4. Quick and Easy

While this dish feels decadent, it’s surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time.

5. Impress Your Guests

This recipe is perfect for entertaining. It’s elegant, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 2 strip steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons 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:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Variations

• Different Pasta: While rigatoni is perfect for this dish, feel free to swap it for another pasta like penne, fettuccine, or farfalle.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the steak and use roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Extra Spice: If you love spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Add Protein: For added protein, you can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage to the rigatoni.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Season both sides of the strip steaks with the Buttery Steak Seasoning and The Blend Seasoning (or your preferred spices). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak cooked more. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits. Add the heavy cream and continue simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Herbs

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture. Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Slice the Steak and Serve

Slice the rested strip steaks against the grain and serve them on top of the cheesy rigatoni. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the steak for extra flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the Steak: Let your steak rest for a few minutes after searing it to ensure it stays juicy when sliced.
• Grated Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. For less heat, reduce the amount or omit them entirely.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Keep an eye on the steak while cooking to avoid overcooking. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F (54°C).

How to Serve

Serve this dish as a complete meal, with the steak on top of the cheesy rigatoni. Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a full, balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover steak and rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so you may need to add a little extra cream or broth when reheating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. Store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat the steak and pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of extra cream or broth to the sauce to restore its creamy consistency. Reheat the steak gently to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can substitute with ribeye, flank steak, or sirloin if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut.

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

Yes, if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them or replace them with roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure that the pasta you use is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. Can I use a different cheese in the sauce?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like Asiago, Romano, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), and for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C).

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before adding the pasta and serving.

7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers for more heat.

9. Can I use non-dairy substitutes in the sauce?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative to the heavy cream. Make sure to use dairy-free cheese as well.

10. Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh steak for this recipe, but you can use frozen steak if necessary. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.

Conclusion

Mouthwatering Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni Bliss is the perfect combination of savory steak and creamy pasta, all coated in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress. Easy to make, full of flavor, and undeniably delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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