Cajun Steak Rigatoni Pasta (Print View)

Cajun-spiced steak, rigatoni, peppers, tomatoes, and Parmesan in a creamy sauce for a bold, comforting dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound rigatoni pasta

→ Protein

02 - 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Seasonings and Dairy

03 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
04 - Salt and pepper, to taste
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

07 - 1 medium onion, diced
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 bell pepper, diced
10 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Oils and Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, approximately 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
02 - Evenly coat sirloin steak pieces with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add steak, and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
03 - Using the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until aromatic.
04 - Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Lower heat to medium-low and gently pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add grated Parmesan, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
06 - Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet and stir into the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
08 - Add drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring noodles are evenly coated. Use additional reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
09 - Remove skillet from heat. Plate pasta hot, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Optional: Top with extra Parmesan as desired.

# Notes:

01 - For optimal steak texture, let the cooked steak rest briefly before slicing to preserve juiciness.

Go Back