steak tips rigatoni

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Last Thursday evening, I found myself staring into the fridge wondering what to make for dinner. My youngest had soccer practice in an hour, and Mateo was finishing up prep work in his restaurant kitchen. I needed something quick, hearty, and impressive enough to satisfy my hungry family.

That’s when I spotted the steak tips I’d grabbed on sale earlier that week. Within minutes, I had water boiling for rigatoni and a plan forming in my mind. What emerged from my kitchen that night has become our family’s new Thursday tradition: steak tips rigatoni.

This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned beef with pasta and a rich, savory sauce that clings to every tube of rigatoni. My 19-year-old actually put down her phone to ask for seconds, which I consider the ultimate compliment. Now, I’m sharing this steak tips rigatoni recipe with you because every busy parent deserves a weeknight winner like this.

Why You’ll Love This Steak Tips Rigatoni Recipe

This steak tips rigatoni delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag or wait time. First, it comes together in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights. Second, the combination of tender beef and hearty pasta creates a satisfying one-dish meal that fills everyone up. Additionally, the sauce is incredibly versatile—you can make it creamy, tomato-based, or simply buttery with garlic.

Moreover, this steak tips rigatoni recipe uses budget-friendly ingredients. Steak tips cost significantly less than premium cuts, yet they deliver amazing flavor when cooked properly. Furthermore, you likely have most ingredients already in your pantry.

The dish also reheats beautifully, meaning leftovers actually taste even better the next day. Finally, it’s customizable to suit various taste preferences and dietary needs, which matters when you’re feeding a family with different palates.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients before you start makes preparing this steak tips rigatoni so much easier. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Substitutions & Variations

You can easily adapt this steak tips rigatoni to what you have on hand. Instead of sirloin tips, try using ribeye tips or even flank steak cut into pieces. Similarly, swap rigatoni for penne, ziti, or even fettuccine if that’s what’s in your pantry.

For a lighter version of this steak tips rigatoni, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour. Alternatively, create a tomato-based version by adding crushed tomatoes and omitting the cream entirely. Mushroom lovers can sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for extra umami flavor.

Furthermore, make this steak tips rigatoni dairy-free by using olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition. Mateo sometimes adds a splash of red wine to the sauce, which deepens the flavor beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making perfect steak tips rigatoni is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce for your steak tips rigatoni.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the steak tips completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dry meat browns better, which means more flavor in your steak tips rigatoni.

Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the steak tips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary.

Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove the steak tips to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 5: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add tremendous flavor to your steak tips rigatoni. Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Then, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Return the cooked steak tips along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the drained rigatoni and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish your steak tips rigatoni with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

After making this steak tips rigatoni dozens of times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee success. First, always bring your steak tips to room temperature before cooking. Cold meat doesn’t sear properly, and you’ll end up steaming instead of browning.

Second, don’t skip the pasta water reserve. This starchy liquid is magic for bringing your steak tips rigatoni sauce together. Additionally, cook your pasta one minute less than the package suggests. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Moreover, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated. Fresh cheese melts smoother and tastes infinitely better in this steak tips rigatoni. Also, don’t overcook the steak tips. Medium-rare to medium ensures tender, juicy meat.

Furthermore, taste as you go. Every batch of beef broth has different sodium levels, so adjust your seasoning accordingly. Finally, serve this steak tips rigatoni immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy. The sauce can thicken as it sits, though a splash of broth or cream revives it quickly.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftover steak tips rigatoni stores beautifully for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Honestly, my girls sometimes prefer the leftovers because the flavors meld together overnight.

To reheat this steak tips rigatoni, add it to a skillet with a splash of beef broth or cream over medium heat. Stir gently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

You can also freeze this steak tips rigatoni for up to 2 months. However, cream-based sauces sometimes separate when frozen. To combat this, undercook the pasta slightly and freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While this steak tips rigatoni is hearty enough to stand alone, certain sides elevate the meal beautifully. A crisp Caesar salad provides refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. Similarly, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Additionally, roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate. Mateo often prepares a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette when I make this steak tips rigatoni. The peppery greens and bright citrus cut through the richness perfectly.

Furthermore, a glass of medium-bodied red wine complements the beef wonderfully. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with bruschetta or caprese skewers as an appetizer.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for steak tips rigatoni?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips work wonderfully in this steak tips rigatoni, you can substitute ribeye tips, tenderloin pieces, or even strip steak cut into chunks. Just ensure you cut the meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Tougher cuts like chuck can work too, but they require longer cooking times to become tender.

How do I keep the steak tender in steak tips rigatoni?

The key to tender steak in your steak tips rigatoni is avoiding overcooking. Sear the meat quickly over high heat, then remove it from the pan. Don’t add it back to the sauce until the very end, and let it just warm through. Additionally, cutting against the grain when preparing your steak tips ensures each bite is tender.

Can I make steak tips rigatoni ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead, but this steak tips rigatoni tastes best when assembled fresh. Cook the pasta and sear the steak tips ahead of time, then store them separately. When ready to serve, make the sauce and combine everything. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.

What’s the best pasta shape for steak tips rigatoni?

Rigatoni is ideal for this steak tips rigatoni because its ridged tubes catch and hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, penne, ziti, or even shells work well too. The key is choosing a shape with nooks that capture the sauce. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair, which can’t stand up to the hearty beef.

How can I make this steak tips rigatoni healthier?

To lighten up this steak tips rigatoni, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of pasta water, or use low-fat milk thickened with cornstarch. Additionally, increase the vegetable content by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also reduce the beef portion slightly and bulk up with extra veggies.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

This steak tips rigatoni has become one of our family’s most-requested meals. It combines everything we love: tender beef, comforting pasta, and a sauce that makes everyone reach for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends on the weekend, this steak tips rigatoni delivers impressive results with minimal fuss.

The recipe is forgiving, adaptable, and absolutely delicious. Give this steak tips rigatoni a try tonight, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. As Mateo always says, good food brings people together—and this dish certainly does that at our table.

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