There’s something irresistible about the creamy, cheesy hug of pasta combined with perfectly seasoned steak. This Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe delivers that comfort in every bite, with bold Cajun flavors and gooey cheeses that make it a total crowd-pleaser — trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

A white plate holds two main layers: the left side is filled with creamy macaroni coated in a shiny, light orange sauce with black pepper sprinkled on top, showing its smooth, soft texture; the right side shows cubed steak pieces, seared to a dark brown with a glossy surface, closely placed together. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe because it hits all the right notes: spicy, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender steak. It’s like the ultimate treat-yourself dinner that comes together without fuss.

Bold Cajun Flavor: The seasoning gives the steak a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Cheesy Comfort: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates an irresistibly creamy sauce.
Hearty & Filling: Rigatoni pasta holds all that luscious sauce perfectly, making each bite satisfying.
Simple Yet Impressive: With easy steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe feels special but doesn’t overwhelm your kitchen time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a star role, creating a balance of smoky spices, juicy steak, creamy cheese, and tender pasta that’s straight-up irresistible. I recommend using fresh, quality steak and good cheeses to get that melt-in-your-mouth result.

Flat lay of a pile of uncooked rigatoni pasta, bite-sized raw sirloin steak tips with marbling, a few garlic cloves with papery skins, a small mound of softened cream cheese, a small heap of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small pile of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a few fresh parsley sprigs with bright green leaves, a small white bowl filled with heavy cream, another small white bowl with whole milk, two small white bowls with unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, and small white bowls containing coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning powders, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sirloin or ribeye steak tips: Choose well-marbled steak for juicy, tender bites that hold flavor beautifully.
Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish, it brings that signature spicy, aromatic flavor you crave.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with aromatic depth and just the right punch.
Rigatoni pasta: Perfectly sized to trap thick sauce inside each tube, making every bite deliciously saucy.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: This duo melts together for creamy texture and sharp, nutty flavor.
Cream cheese, whole milk, and heavy cream: These create a rich, velvety sauce that hugs the pasta.
Unsalted butter and olive oil: Essential for searing the steak and adding lusciousness to the sauce.
Smoked paprika and garlic powder: Layered spices boost that smoky heat and savory complexity.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to dial up or down the Cajun spices depending on how fiery you want it, or swap out rigatoni for penne or even shells for a twist. Here’s a couple of my favorite tweaks.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap ribeye for tenderloin when I want a leaner steak experience but still crave that intense seasoning.
Dairy-Free Twist: I’ve tried coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, though it changes the texture, it’s still delicious for friends with allergies.
Veggie Boost: Adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms alongside the steak gives it an earthy, colorful upgrade.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

In a white round plate, there is one layer of short tube pasta covered with a thick creamy sauce that is light yellow with small specks of black pepper. On top of about half of the pasta, there is a thick layer of grilled beef cubes that are dark brown with grill marks and a light sprinkle of green herbs. The pasta looks smooth and soft while the beef pieces appear juicy and tender. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

First, toss your steak bites in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the steak in one layer. Sear them until you get a gorgeous dark golden crust on all sides; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Midway, toss in butter and spoon that buttery goodness over the steak for extra richness. Remember to let your steak rest off the heat for a few minutes to keep it juicy.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

While the steak cooks, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until it’s just tender — check the package instructions for timing. Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining as it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant — just about 30 seconds to a minute; don’t let it burn! Then add heavy cream, whole milk, and softened cream cheese. Stir gently until everything melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Lower the heat and slowly whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese along with a dash more Cajun seasoning. Stir until melted and combined. Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper if needed. If it thickens too much, a splash of your reserved pasta water will loosen it right up. Finally, add in your cooked rigatoni and seared steak pieces, gently tossing so every piece is coated and gets those amazing flavors. Let everything mingle on low heat for a couple of minutes.

Top Tip

Making this Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe for friends, I've learned a few little things that make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Don’t Overcook the Steak: Searing quickly over high heat locks in juices—steak should be medium-rare to medium for the best tender bite.
Reserve Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold for sauce consistency; adding it slowly helps you get that perfect creamy texture.
Rest the Steak: Letting steak rest before adding it to the pasta stops all those tasty juices from escaping.
Layer Your Spices: Using multiple spices like smoked paprika alongside Cajun seasoning gives your dish deeper flavor.

How to Serve Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe

Cajun steak rigatoni - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a fresh pop of green and a subtle herbal note that brightens the richness.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta beautifully, and garlic bread is a no-brainer for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I like to serve this dish in individual cast iron skillets for that cozy, rustic vibe. A drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving takes it over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend gently reheating on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky sauce texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before, but the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze without the fresh parsley garnish and add that fresh when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes! While sirloin or ribeye tips are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like tenderloin, flank, or even strip steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and cut.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to medium heat, balanced by the creamy cheese sauce. If you prefer more spice, you can always add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the seasoning or use half.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts ahead of time, like cooking and seasoning the steak or making the cheese sauce. However, I recommend assembling and combining the rigatoni right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can dry out the cheese sauce and make the steak tough.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni Recipe is truly one of my favorite go-to dinner ideas when I want something rich, satisfying, and a little bit special. It’s the kind of meal I happily serve to friends because it feels indulgent but never fussy. I hope you give it a try and find it just as comforting and flavorful as I do—sometimes the best recipes are those that combine familiar ingredients in exciting, delicious ways!