Cajun Steak Tips Rigatoni

$- 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or flank steak) - 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, fresh - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can add extras to make this dish special. Try mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture. You can also use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You will need a few basic tools to make this meal. Here’s what you need: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking steak and sauce - Mixing bowls for marinating - Measuring cups and spoons - Tongs or a spatula for mixing and serving {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a bowl for the steak tips. Add 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Mix it well with the steak pieces. Make sure each piece is covered evenly. This step is key for good flavor. Let the steak marinate for about 15 minutes. This allows the spices to soak in. While the steak marinates, fill a pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to it. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of rigatoni. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means firm but tender. After cooking, drain the pasta and save about 1/2 cup of the water. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for the best sear. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated steak tips. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them browned and cooked to your liking. Then, remove the steak and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2 minutes. Stir occasionally until they start to soften. This brings out their sweet flavor. Now, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to mix. Let the cream simmer gently. This step makes the sauce rich and creamy. Add the cooked rigatoni and 1 cup of fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together. The spinach should wilt nicely. Next, return the cooked steak tips to the skillet. Toss the mixture gently. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water. Stir until everything is well combined. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. This melds all the flavors beautifully. Serve your dish in large bowls. Top each bowl with fresh parsley and more Parmesan. This adds both color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your Cajun steak tips rigatoni! To make a great steak, timing is key. Cook the steak tips for about 3-4 minutes. This gives you a nice brown crust and keeps the inside juicy. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare. If you like it more cooked, go for 145°F. Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to settle, making it tender and flavorful. Cooking rigatoni perfectly is simple. Use a big pot of water and add salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Boil the water and add the rigatoni. Cook it for 10-12 minutes, or until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. To avoid mushy pasta, stir it occasionally. When done, save a bit of pasta water. This water can help make your sauce creamy later. You can boost flavors in your dish easily. Fresh herbs like parsley add a burst of color and taste. Consider including thyme or oregano for more depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. For extra creaminess, stir in more Parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle a bit of lemon juice before serving. This brightens the dish and complements the Cajun spices well. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the steak tips to marinate longer than 15 minutes if you have the time; this enhances the Cajun seasoning's flavor penetration. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, as they significantly elevate the dish's flavor and texture. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth for a delicious, less rich option. Garnish for Presentation: Don't skip the parsley garnish; it adds a fresh touch and enhances the visual appeal of your dish. {{image_4}} You can make Cajun steak tips rigatoni lighter by swapping some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Use lean cuts of meat like chicken breast or turkey. - Replace heavy cream with a mix of Greek yogurt and low-fat milk. - Choose whole wheat rigatoni for more fiber and nutrients. - Add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost health. These swaps keep your meal tasty while cutting calories. To make a vegetarian version of Cajun rigatoni, skip the steak. Instead, use hearty veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant. You can also add plant-based protein options, like chickpeas or lentils. Season them with Cajun spice just like the steak. When you sauté the veggies, follow the same steps as for the meat. This way, you get all the flavor without meat. If you love heat, you can amp up the spice in your Cajun rigatoni. Here are some tips: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning. - Toss in some sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers when cooking the steak. - Drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick. These small changes will bring more heat and flavor to your plate. To keep your Cajun steak tips rigatoni fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the dish to cool to room temperature. - Transfer it to an airtight container. - Place it in the fridge for short-term storage, or freeze for longer storage. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers. This keeps the flavors locked in. When you want to enjoy the leftovers, here’s how to reheat them: - If frozen, let the dish thaw in the fridge overnight. - Heat in a skillet over low heat. - Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. - Stir gently until heated through. This method helps maintain the dish's creamy texture and flavor. In the fridge, your dish will last about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Cajun seasoning is a mix of spices that adds heat and flavor. It usually includes: - Paprika - Cayenne pepper - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Oregano - Thyme These spices come together to create a bold taste. It hails from Louisiana and is great for meats and veggies. Yes, you can! If you want a change, try these pastas: - Penne - Fusilli - Farfalle Each type brings its own fun shape and texture. Just keep the cooking time similar so your pasta is al dente. You can prep this meal in advance easily. Here are some tips: - Marinate the steak tips a day before. - Cook the rigatoni and store it in the fridge. - Make the sauce and keep it separate. When ready to serve, heat the steak and sauce together. Combine with the pasta for a fresh meal. Yes, it's simple to make it dairy-free. Use these substitutes: - Coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. - Dairy-free cheese if you want that creamy texture. These swaps still taste great and keep the dish rich and satisfying. Great side dishes can enhance your meal. Consider these options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Roasted veggies for added flavor. These sides bring balance and make your meal even more enjoyable. This blog post covers how to make a delicious Cajun steak tips rigatoni. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions for cooking, and helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture. You learned how to store leftovers and variations to try if you want something different. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Don’t be afraid to add your own twist! Enjoy making this flavorful dish that everyone will love.$

A flavorful pasta dish featuring marinated steak tips, rigatoni, and a creamy sauce with cherry tomatoes and spinach.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

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 (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, fresh
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, generously season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning. Allow the steak to marinate for about 15 minutes.
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak tips and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir well. Allow to simmer gently.
Add cooked rigatoni and fresh baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until spinach wilts and everything is combined.
Return the cooked steak tips to the skillet, tossing gently. If the sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve in sizable bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and color.

Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, steak