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Creamy Cajun Steak Rigatoni with Vegetarian Parmesan-Style Cheese Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Cajun Steak Rigatoni recipe combines tender steak tips with a rich, luscious vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices and tossed with al dente rigatoni, this dish delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Steak

  • 1 lb steak tips (sirloin or ribeye)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Vegetarian Parmesan-Style Cheese

Pasta

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Instructions

  1. Season the Steak: Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the steak tips, then drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly.
  2. Sear the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned steak tips and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
  5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Vegetarian Parmesan-Style Cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce turns creamy. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired thickness is achieved.
  6. Combine Pasta and Steak: Return the cooked rigatoni and seared steak tips to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat well, and heat for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Vegetarian Parmesan-Style Cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful steak bites.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the dish’s heat level according to your taste.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Leftovers reheat best when you add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/creamy-cajun-steak-rigatoni-with-vegetarian-parmesan-style-cheese-sauce-recipe/