Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in Mozzarella Sauce

There are dinners you throw together—and then there are Dinners With a Capital D. This is one of those. Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Tips seared to perfection, served alongside tender rigatoni smothered in a melty, cheesy mozzarella cream sauce… I mean, are you kidding? It’s luxurious, hearty, and everything your dinner dreams are made of.

Before we dive into this weeknight masterpiece, I just want to say: thank you for being here! Whether this is your first recipe with me or your fortieth, I’m so happy you stopped by. Want to get more cozy, satisfying meals like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe below and let’s keep the good food coming!

What Is Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni?

This dish is pure comfort on a plate. Steak tips are bite-sized pieces of beef (usually sirloin) seared hot and fast in garlic butter until golden and juicy. Meanwhile, rigatoni pasta gets coated in a silky, mozzarella cream sauce—think Alfredo meets mac and cheese, but better. Serve them together, and you’ve got a match made in flavor heaven.

It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy, but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight. Big flavor. Low effort. Major payoff.

Why You’ll Love This Steak & Pasta Combo

• Juicy, seared steak bites with buttery garlic flavor
• Ultra-creamy mozzarella sauce with stretchy, cheesy goodness
• Perfect balance of hearty and indulgent
• Great for date nights, special occasions, or when you just want something really good
• Totally customizable with your favorite add-ins

What Does It Taste Like?

It tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian steakhouse. The steak tips are tender and rich, bathed in garlicky butter with crispy edges. The mozzarella sauce is velvety and creamy with that signature cheese pull and just a hint of garlic and black pepper. The rigatoni? Perfect for catching all that sauce. It’s savory, satisfying, and a total flavor bomb.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Done in under 45 minutes
• One skillet for steak, one pot for pasta—easy cleanup
• Great for leftovers (that reheat beautifully!)
• Feels like a restaurant meal, made at home
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

For the steak tips:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but amazing)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the cheesy rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (for depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Whisk
• Cheese grater
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Make it spicy: Add chili flakes to the mozzarella sauce
• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the pasta
• Swap the steak: Use filet mignon tips or sirloin tips; even chicken works in a pinch
• Use a different pasta: Penne, shells, or cavatappi all work well
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter, cream, and cheese—but results may vary in texture

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Let’s break this down step-by-step!

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips

1. Pat steak tips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add steak tips in a single layer (do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.
4. Add butter and garlic to the pan and stir to coat the steak. Add Worcestershire sauce if using. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.
5. Remove steak from heat and keep warm.

Tip: Let the steak rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Step 3: Make the Mozzarella Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
4. Once the sauce thickens slightly, stir in mozzarella and parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Stir in the cooked rigatoni. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Serve It All Up

Plate a generous scoop of the cheesy rigatoni, top with garlic butter steak tips, and garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan.

What to Serve with This Dish

• Garlic bread or breadsticks to swipe up every bit of sauce
• A crisp Caesar or arugula salad for freshness
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or buttery Chardonnay

Tips for Perfect Steak and Pasta

• Room temperature steak cooks more evenly—pull it from the fridge 20–30 mins early
• High heat sear gives that golden-brown crust on the steak
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the smoothest, creamiest sauce
• Don’t overcook the pasta—it should have a little bite
• Reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream
• Freezer: Not recommended—cream sauces can separate when frozen

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cut steak tips?

Yes! Many stores sell pre-cut sirloin tips—just make sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.

What’s the best cut of steak for this?

Sirloin is my top choice—affordable and flavorful. You can also use tenderloin tips or ribeye for something extra luxe.

Can I use another cheese besides mozzarella?

Sure! Try a blend with provolone, fontina, or white cheddar for variety, but mozzarella gives the best melt and stretch.

Can I make it ahead?

You can make both components ahead and reheat gently. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a seriously satisfying, wildly flavorful, and downright comforting dinner, this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in Mozzarella Sauce is your new go-to. It’s hearty, indulgent, and just fancy enough to feel special—without a single bit of stress in the kitchen.

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