When you want to impress with comfort food that’s both hearty and luxurious, Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in Mozzarella Sauce is the perfect dish. It’s the kind of meal that brings together the best of both worlds—juicy, tender bites of steak drenched in garlic butter, and pasta smothered in a velvety, cheesy mozzarella sauce. Think of it as steakhouse indulgence meets Italian comfort food, all in one plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent flavors – buttery garlic steak tips pair perfectly with creamy mozzarella pasta. Restaurant-quality at home – feels like a fancy dinner, but it’s easy to make in your kitchen. Crowd-pleaser – ideal for family dinners, date night, or when you simply crave something extra comforting.
Ingredients
For the Steak Tips:
1 ½ lbs sirloin steak tips (cut into bite-size cubes)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Rigatoni with Mozzarella Sauce:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Mozzarella Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce until fully coated.
3. Cook the Steak Tips
Pat the steak tips dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak tips for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your liking. Add butter and garlic to the pan, stirring to coat the steak in garlicky goodness.
4. Assemble the Dish
Plate the cheesy rigatoni, then top with garlic butter steak tips. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
Use quality steak – sirloin or ribeye tips work best for tenderness and flavor. Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce. Let the steak rest – even just a few minutes helps keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Add a side of roasted veggies or a simple green salad for balance. Pair with garlic bread to scoop up every drop of sauce. A glass of red wine (like Cabernet or Merlot) complements the richness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is comfort food at its finest: tender steak bites dripping in garlic butter, sitting on a bed of creamy mozzarella rigatoni. It’s rich, satisfying, and will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.