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To make your Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni, gather these items: - 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or flank steak), cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 12 oz rigatoni pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Choosing high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Look for fresh steak tips. Sirloin or flank steak works best for this dish. Check that the meat looks bright and has a nice marbling. Use fresh cherry tomatoes for sweetness. They should be firm and vibrant. Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrition. Opt for good quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor. Aged cheese gives a richer taste. Lastly, use extra virgin olive oil for the best results. You can use either homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning. Store-bought is quick and easy. Check the label for quality ingredients. If you want more control over flavors, make your own. Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. This way, you adjust the spice level to your liking. Homemade seasoning adds a personal touch. It makes the dish truly your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces. Use sirloin or flank steak for the best flavor. Next, take 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Sprinkle it all over the steak tips. Make sure every piece is coated well. Let the steak sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. While the steak is marinating, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta to the pot. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later. Set the rigatoni aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak tips. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they soften. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked rigatoni and 1 cup of baby spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything combines well. Return the steak tips to the skillet. Toss everything together. If the sauce is thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm through. Let it sit for a minute to meld the flavors. To cook steak tips just right, choose sirloin or flank steak. These cuts are tender and flavorful. Season them well with Cajun seasoning. Let them marinate for 15 minutes. This step adds great flavor. When cooking, use medium-high heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning once. Look for a nice brown crust. For medium-rare, the inside should reach 135°F. For a creamy sauce, heavy cream is key. Pour it into the skillet after cooking the steak and tomatoes. Let it simmer gently. This helps it thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a little and stir. Keep adding until you reach the desired creaminess. The sauce should coat the pasta well, not be runny. You can boost flavor with more ingredients. Consider adding garlic for depth. Sauté it with the tomatoes for great aroma. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish. Toss them in right before serving. They add freshness and color. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten flavors. It adds a nice zing that balances the richness. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the steak tips to marinate for at least 15 minutes with the Cajun seasoning to enhance the flavor profile. Cooking Pasta: Ensure the water is well salted before boiling the rigatoni; this helps season the pasta as it cooks. Use the Right Heat: Sear the steak on medium-high heat for a nice crust while keeping it juicy inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick after adding the steak, gradually mix in reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can create a vegetarian version of Cajun steak tips rigatoni by using tofu or mushrooms. For tofu, choose firm blocks. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Cut it into bite-sized cubes. Marinate the tofu in the same Cajun seasoning. Sauté it in olive oil until golden brown. If you prefer mushrooms, use portobello or cremini. Slice them thick and sauté until tender. Both options will give you a hearty meal full of flavor. Rigatoni is great, but you can swap it for other pasta types. Penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine work well. Choose pasta based on your texture preference. Thicker pasta holds sauce better, while thinner pasta cooks faster. No matter the choice, cook according to package directions. Each pasta will give a unique twist to your dish. Seasonal vegetables can elevate your Cajun steak tips rigatoni. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Dice them and add them to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Sauté until they soften but still maintain a bite. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. You can mix and match based on what is fresh and available to you. Enjoy the extra crunch and flavor in your meal. After you enjoy your Cajun steak tips rigatoni, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe. Let the pasta cool before sealing it. It’s best to eat leftovers within three days for the best flavor. To reheat your rigatoni, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture nice and creamy. You can freeze Cajun steak tips rigatoni if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container and seal it well. Label it with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently as described above. This way, your meal stays delicious! You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter option. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These options will change the taste slightly but still work. Yes, you can! Cook the steak and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine them and heat them in a skillet. Some great side dishes include garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. These sides balance the rich flavors of your dish. Cajun seasoning has a medium spice level. It usually includes paprika, cayenne, and garlic. You can adjust the spice by adding less seasoning or using a milder blend. To make it healthier, use whole grain rigatoni for more fiber. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Reducing the amount of cream or cheese can cut calories while still keeping it tasty. This article covered everything you need for Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni. We went over key ingredients, including quality options and the choice between homemade or store-bought seasonings. I shared steps for perfect steak, flavorful cream sauce, and how to cook rigatoni. Tips for getting the best results and tasty variations like vegetarian options followed. Lastly, I included advice on storing leftovers and reheating. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that impresses. Enjoy cooking and sharing your tasty dish!

Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni

A flavorful pasta dish featuring seasoned steak tips, rigatoni, and a creamy sauce with cherry tomatoes and spinach.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or flank steak), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated. Set aside for about 15 minutes to marinate.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak tips and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked rigatoni, along with the baby spinach. Mix until the spinach wilts and everything is combined.
  • Add the cooked steak tips back into the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute while the flavors meld.

Notes

Serve garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, dinner, pasta, steak