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A photorealistic image of a bowl of creamy Cajun steak rigatoni, showcasing the tender steak and rich sauce.

Cajun Steak Rigatoni: A Creamy, Spicy Pasta Dinner

This Cajun Steak Rigatoni recipe features tender, seared steak and rigatoni pasta tossed in a luxuriously creamy and spicy Cajun sauce. It's a quick, restaurant-quality meal perfect for any weeknight dinner, ready in just 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak about 1-inch thick
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 large bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 1 Large pot

Method
 

  1. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat steak dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from skillet and let it rest.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add diced onion and bell peppers and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Slice the rested steak against the grain.
  6. Add the cooked rigatoni and sliced steak to the sauce, tossing to combine. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For a perfect sear, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak.
Tip 2: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will result in a much smoother, creamier sauce.
Tip 3: Don't be afraid to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your personal spice preference.