What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A homemade garlic butter steak paired with cheesy rigatoni is a quick and easy family favorite, especially when served in a hearty bowl. Rich garlic flavor and tender steak make this dish unforgettable. Save this idea for a delicious homemade meal Pin for later

garlic butter steaks with cheesy rigatoni recipe in a black bowl

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of garlic butter, the tenderness of perfectly cooked steak, and the comforting warmth of cheesy rigatoni, all presented in a sleek black bowl. This garlic butter steaks with cheesy rigatoni recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will elevate your dining routine with its ease, flavor, and creativity, all while utilizing everyday ingredients. Whether you’re a culinary novice or an experienced chef, this recipe promises to impress with its balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic butter, steak, and cheesy rigatoni offers a harmonious balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, all achieved with readily available ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal specialized kitchen tools or techniques.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The key to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, allowing anyone to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this garlic butter steaks with cheesy rigatoni recipe include high-quality steaks (such as ribeye or sirloin), rigatoni pasta, garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. For the garlic butter, you’ll need softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The cheesy rigatoni sauce can be made with parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and grated mozzarella for an extra creamy texture. Practical substitutions can be made with the type of steak and cheese, allowing for flexibility based on personal preference and dietary needs.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the parsley, mince the garlic, and grate the parmesan cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rigatoni.
2. Step 2: Cook the steaks. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Let the steaks rest before slicing them thinly.
3. Step 3: Prepare the garlic butter. Mix the softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This garlic butter will be used to top the steaks, adding a rich and aromatic flavor.
4. Step 4: Make the cheesy rigatoni sauce. In the same skillet used for the steaks, add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the cream slightly, then add the parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to combine, and adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy garlic butter topping, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before slicing and placing it on top of the steaks.
• Don’t overcook the rigatoni, as it will continue to cook a bit after draining and can become mushy if overdone.
• Consider using different types of cheese or adding some diced vegetables (like cherry tomatoes or spinach) to the rigatoni sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the steaks and preparing the cheesy sauce. For the steaks, aim for a medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear, then adjust the heat as needed to cook the steaks to your desired level of doneness. When making the cheesy rigatoni sauce, simmer the heavy cream over medium heat to prevent it from boiling over, then reduce the heat to low once you add the cheese to prevent it from separating.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy garlic butter on top of the steaks and the slight firmness of the al dente rigatoni. To enhance the crunch, consider adding some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts to the garlic butter before placing it on the steaks. The texture contrast between the tender steak, creamy sauce, and crunchy garlic butter adds depth and interest to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to a safe internal temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be at least 130°F – 135°F (54°C – 57°C), for medium 140°F – 145°F (60°C – 63°C), and for medium-well 150°F – 155°F (66°C – 68°C).
• Don’t press down on the steaks with your spatula while they’re cooking, as this can squeeze out juices and make the steak tough.
• For easier cleanup, prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook, and wash utensils and pans as you go to prevent food from drying on them.

Storage Tips

• Leftover steak and rigatoni can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil, and reheat the rigatoni sauce over low heat, adding a bit of cream if it’s too thick.
• Consider freezing the cooked rigatoni sauce without the cream for up to 2 months. When reheating, add fresh cream to achieve the desired consistency.
• For the garlic butter, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a dinner party or as a care package, you can package the garlic butter in decorative jars, wrap the cooked rigatoni in parchment paper or a gourmet food wrap, and slice the steak just before serving. Add a personal touch with a handwritten recipe card or a small bag of artisanal bread for a complete meal.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick, or use dried thyme for a more herbal flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top the dish with roasted vegetables, a fried egg, or some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use different types of pasta, such as pappardelle or fettuccine, or substitute the steak with chicken or pork for a variation in protein.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the rigatoni becomes too mushy, it was likely overcooked. For the garlic butter, if it’s too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Over/undercooking signs: For steaks, check the internal temperature. For the rigatoni, taste it frequently towards the end of its cooking time to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked rigatoni sauce and the garlic butter. However, it’s best to freeze them separately and reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The rigatoni pasta contains gluten, but you can substitute it with gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. Also, ensure that the butter and cheese used are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger groups. Just keep an eye on the cooking times and adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning or overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

This garlic butter steaks with cheesy rigatoni recipe in a black bowl is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, high-quality ingredients come together. With its ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and rich flavors, it’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their mealtime experience. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and share your own variations and tips. Bon appétit, and happy cooking!