Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

If Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni sounds like something you’d order when you want to feel a little fancy and a little feral (in the best way)… you’re in the right kitchen. This is the kind of dinner that saves a hectic Tuesday and also makes a regular old Friday feel like date night—without you needing a reservation, heels, or emotional stability.

We’re talking golden, seared steak cubes tossed in garlicky butter, piled over rigatoni that’s basically wearing a cozy Parmesan-cream sweater. And yes, your kitchen will smell like “someone who has their life together”… even if there’s laundry on the couch. No judgment. I’m Aneta—welcome to Chicken Magic Recipes, where we chase big flavor with simple steps and ingredients you can actually find.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

• Fast but fancy: Feels like a restaurant meal, cooks like a weeknight meal.
• Picky-eater friendly: Creamy pasta + steak bites = very few complaints at the table.
• One of those “wow” dishes: The kind people ask about mid-bite (mouth full and all).
• Comfort food energy: Rich, creamy, garlicky goodness that hugs you from the inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the steak

• 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye (cut into cubes) – The star of the show.
  Sub: New York strip or filet mignon works too.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps get that gorgeous sear.
  Sub: Any neutral cooking oil.
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided – Rich, silky flavor.
  Tip: If using salted butter, go easy on extra salt.
• 7 cloves garlic, minced – Yes, seven. We’re not whispering garlic today.
• Salt + black pepper – Season like you mean it.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional) – Adds a subtle smoky vibe.

For the rigatoni + sauce

• 12 oz rigatoni – Perfect for catching creamy sauce in every tube.
  Sub: Penne or ziti.
• 1.5 cups heavy cream – The creamy base.
  Lighter option: Half-and-half works, just slightly less thick.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan – Melts smoother and tastes better than the shaker stuff.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional) – Tiny pinch, big cozy flavor.
• Parsley or chives (garnish) – A little freshness on top makes it look extra “chef-y.”

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz rigatoni and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water. This is your secret sauce helper.

Drain pasta, don’t rinse—that starchy coating helps the sauce cling like it pays rent.

Step 2: Season and prep the steak

While the pasta cooks, season your steak cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Now the important part: pat the steak dry with paper towels.

Dry steak = better sear. Wet steak = sad gray steaming. We don’t do sad gray.

Step 3: Sear the steak

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

Add steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.

Remove steak to a plate and don’t panic if little brown bits are stuck to the pan. That’s flavor gold.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter steak magic

Lower heat to medium. Add 4 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Return steak to the skillet and toss it in that garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Turn off heat and let it hang out.

(Try not to “taste test” too many steak cubes straight from the pan. Or do. I’m not your boss.)

Step 5: Make the creamy Parmesan sauce

In a separate saucepan (or you can use the same skillet after removing steak—your call), melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add a bit more garlic (from your minced pile) and sauté briefly until fragrant.

Pour in 1.5 cups heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Do not boil—cream gets grumpy when it boils.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and season

Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan slowly, stirring the whole time until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of nutmeg if you want that “why is this so good?” warmth.

Step 7: Combine pasta and sauce

Add drained rigatoni into the sauce and toss gently. If it looks too thick, splash in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it’s glossy and silky.

This is where it goes from “nice” to “I need a moment alone with my plate.”

Step 8: Plate and serve

Scoop creamy rigatoni onto plates. Top with garlic butter steak bites. Finish with parsley or chives.

Then take a bite and prepare to make the exact face people make when they’re happy and slightly surprised.

Aneta’s Cozy Tips (Because Life Is Busy)

• Don’t crowd the steak: If the pan is packed, you’ll steam instead of sear. Do batches—your patience will be rewarded.
• Fresh Parmesan matters: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking stuff that makes sauces grainy. Freshly grated melts like a dream.
• Sauce too thick? Pasta water fixes it. Sauce too thin? Simmer a minute longer and let Parmesan do its thickening thing.
• Garlic burns fast: If it starts browning, lower the heat. Burnt garlic tastes like regret.

And if your sauce looks a little lumpy at first—deep breaths. Keep stirring gently. It usually smooths out. Cooking is not a performance review.

A Little Personal Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this, I was trying to create a “nice dinner” without creating a “nice disaster.” You know the kind—three pans, five timers, and you’re sweating like you’re on a cooking show you never auditioned for.

But this one? It worked. The steak came out buttery and bold, the rigatoni was creamy comfort, and everyone got suspiciously quiet at the table (the best compliment). Now it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something that feels special but doesn’t steal my whole evening.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Bring the Magic to Dinner Tonight

If you need a meal that feels comforting, impressive, and just plain satisfying, Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni is the answer. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with bold steakhouse flavor—without you having to leave the house or put on real pants.

Make it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your “I need something amazing today” dinner. Because honestly? We all deserve a plate of Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni every now and then.

Keep the Dinner Magic Going (More Cozy Ideas!)

• If you loved the creamy, cheesy vibe of tonight’s pasta, you’ll probably want to bookmark Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta for busy weeknights—it’s the same comfort-food energy with a fresh, herby twist.
• Want a warm bowl that feels like a hug (especially when life is doing the most)? Try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup that’s rich and soothing—it’s perfect when you’re craving cozy without a lot of effort.
• If steak night is your love language, don’t miss Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with big flavor—sweet, savory, and totally weeknight-friendly.
• And if you’re in the mood for another buttery, garlicky pasta moment (because honestly… same), check out Cowboy Butter Steak Pasta for a bold, buttery dinner.

Now it’s your turn! If you made this recipe, leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐—it helps other readers find the good stuff (and it makes my day!).

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