Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seared steak, dripping with garlic-infused butter that dances on your taste buds. The rigatoni, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, adds a comforting richness that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

This dish is not just food it’s an experience. Whether you’re impressing guests at a dinner party or simply treating yourself after a long week, Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni promises to deliver flavors that will make you weak in the knees. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe makes meal prep easy and delicious
- It’s bursting with flavors and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any plate
- Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners, this dish is incredibly versatile and satisfying
Every time I whip up this dish, I’m greeted with oohs and aahs from my friends and family, followed by the clinking of forks too eager for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ribeye Steak: A well-marbled cut ensures juicy flavor choose one about 1 inch thick for best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted to control the saltiness of your dish it’s all about balance.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for whole cloves rather than pre-minced for robust flavor chop just before using.
- Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges in rigatoni hold onto the sauce beautifully, making each bite pure bliss.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient brings richness to the cheesy sauce don’t skimp
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor in your dish.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness to finish off your masterpiece.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese this way, everything is ready when you need it.
Cook the Rigatoni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook rigatoni until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain but reserve 1 cup of pasta water it’s liquid gold
Sear the Steak: While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with butter. Sear ribeye steak for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking don’t forget to season generously
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet used for steak, add minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add Pasta to Sauce: Toss the drained rigatoni into the skillet with sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess just like magic
Plate it Up: Slice the steak against the grain into strips and arrange atop cheesy rigatoni. Garnish with parsley for that perfect finishing touch now it’s Instagram-ready
This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni isn’t just another meal it’s an event worth celebrating Enjoy every mouthful as you savor those delightful flavors you’ve created
You Must Know
- Garlic butter steak with cheesy rigatoni is not just a meal it’s an experience
- The rich aroma of garlic mingles with sizzling steak, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate
- Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the steak first to lock in flavor, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the rich garlic butter sauce for optimal timing and taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the rigatoni for any pasta you prefer, or add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfectly cooked steak, let it rest before slicing to maintain juiciness
- Use fresh herbs like thyme for added flavor
- Always taste your sauce before serving seasoning can make all the difference
Sharing this dish with friends led to laughter and seconds being requested, especially when they got a whiff of that garlicky goodness wafting through my kitchen
FAQ
What cut of steak is best for garlic butter steak?
Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely Any pasta shape works well just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare and 145°F for medium doneness.
Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni
Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Rigatoni is a luxurious dish that combines perfectly seared ribeye steak with creamy rigatoni pasta, all enveloped in a rich garlic-infused butter sauce. This meal is ideal for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in. With vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance, every bite feels like a celebration!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ribeye steak (1 inch thick)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Mince garlic and grate Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the rigatoni: Boil salted water, cook rigatoni until al dente (10-12 minutes), then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Sear the steak: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and sear the ribeye for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned; season generously.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic—sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine: Toss rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Plate: Slice steak against the grain and serve over cheesy rigatoni; garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or swapping rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape. Allow the steak to rest before slicing to retain its juices.