🥩🧀 Ultimate Creamy Cheddar Rigatoni with Perfectly Seared Steak

Indulge in this Ultimate Creamy Cheddar Rigatoni with Seared Steak, a restaurant-quality comfort food that's rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Tender slices of perfectly seared ribeye are paired with al dente rigatoni coated in a velvety cheddar-Parmesan cream sauce, creating the perfect steak and pasta dinner for weeknights or special occasions.

⏱️ Recipe Details

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes

• 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes

• ⌛ Total Time: 40 minutes

• 🍽️ Servings: 4

• 🔥 Calories: Approximately 760 kcal per serving

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🛒 Ingredients

🥩 For the Seared Steak

• 🥩 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 250 g / 9 oz each)

• 🫒 1 tbsp olive oil

• 🧂 1 tsp kosher salt

• ⚫ ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 🧄 ½ tsp garlic powder

• 🧈 1 tbsp unsalted butter

🍝 For the Creamy Cheddar Rigatoni

• 🍝 400 g (14 oz) rigatoni

• 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 🧄 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 🥛 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream

• 🥛 ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk

• 🧀 2 cups (180 g) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese

• 🧀 ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 🌶️ ½ tsp paprika

• 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🌿 For Garnish

• 🌿 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

2️⃣ Sear the Steak

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook to your preferred doneness.

During the final minute, add the butter and continuously baste the steaks with the melted butter for extra richness and flavor.

Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

3️⃣ Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.

Melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, avoiding a full boil.

4️⃣ Melt the Cheese

Gradually stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.

Continue stirring until the cheeses melt into a silky, smooth sauce.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss until every piece of pasta is generously coated in the creamy cheddar sauce.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld together.

6️⃣ Assemble and Serve

Arrange a generous serving of creamy cheddar rigatoni on each plate.

Top with slices of the rested steak and spoon any remaining pan juices over the meat.

Finish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty steak pasta with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, grilled broccolini, sautéed mushrooms, Caesar salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete restaurant-style meal.

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💡 Recipe Tips

• Freshly grated cheddar melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.

• Let the steaks rest before slicing to keep every bite juicy and tender.

• Reserve pasta water to easily adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce.

• Substitute smoked cheddar for a deeper, richer flavor profile.

• Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon for even more indulgence.

• For a spicy variation, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

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🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• 🔥 Calories: Approximately 760 kcal

• 💪 Protein: 48g

• 🥩 Carbohydrates: 42g

• 🧈 Fat: 44g