Description
This hearty, spicy pasta dish features Cajun-seared steak, creamy mozzarella-Parmesan sauce, and rigatoni noodles for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s flexible, crowd-pleasing, and packed with bold Southern flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (preferably salt-free)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Pat steak dry. Sprinkle both sides with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Press seasoning in.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Lower heat and stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth (2-3 minutes). Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add drained rigatoni to skillet, tossing to coat. Add more pasta water if sauce is dry.
- Layer sliced steak over pasta and toss gently to combine, or leave steak on top for presentation.
- Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Let steak come to room temperature before cooking for best sear. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Slice steak against the grain for tenderness. Add cheese off the heat for a silky sauce. Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning as needed. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute pasta and cheese accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (1 generous bowl)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 54
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
Keywords: Cajun steak pasta, cheesy rigatoni, Parmesan, quick dinner, weeknight meal, spicy pasta, comfort food, Southern recipe, easy steak pasta