The Ultimate Garlic Butter Steak Tips Recipe You’ll Crave

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Tips & Rigatoni

• Sirloin steak tips: The star of the show – choose well-marbled pieces for maximum tenderness and flavor that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and creating that beautiful golden crust we all crave on perfectly cooked steak tips.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best – it adds warmth and depth that pre-ground pepper simply can’t match in this recipe.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for searing – it has a higher smoke point and won’t burn easily.
• Unsalted butter: The foundation of our garlic butter sauce – unsalted gives you complete control over the final seasoning balance.
• Fresh garlic: Don’t even think about using pre-minced – fresh cloves create that aromatic base that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.
• Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan beautifully and adds subtle acidity that balances the rich butter and cheese perfectly every time.
• Fresh thyme: Its earthy flavor complements beef beautifully – strip the leaves from stems and discard any tough woody pieces.
• Fresh rosemary: Chop finely since it can be overpowering – a little goes a long way in creating that restaurant-quality flavor profile.
• Rigatoni pasta: Those ridges hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly – you can substitute with penne or shells if needed.
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky base for our cheese sauce – don’t substitute with milk or it won’t be rich enough.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is absolutely crucial here – pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and proper sauce consistency.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds that stretchy, gooey texture we all love – buy a block and shred it yourself for best results.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the entire dish and adds a pop of color – flat-leaf Italian parsley has the best flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth without overwhelming heat – adjust to your family’s spice tolerance preferences.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips & Rigatoni

Season Steak:

Pat steak tips completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to ensure even cooking.

Cook Pasta:

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Sear Steak:

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Make Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic to pan. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add wine, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer 2 minutes.

Create Cheese:

In separate saucepan, heat cream over medium heat. Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.

Combine Everything:

Toss hot pasta with cheese sauce, then top with steak tips and garlic butter. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving immediately.

How to Store Garlic Butter Steak Tips & Rigatoni

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce will thicken as it cools, but that’s completely normal. I actually prefer to store the steak tips and pasta separately if possible to maintain the best texture.

To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. The steak tips reheat beautifully and stay tender when warmed slowly. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still taste amazing.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Tips & Rigatoni

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but I love to pair it with a crisp Caesar salad and some crusty garlic bread for the perfect comfort meal. A glass of red wine doesn’t hurt either – the bold flavors complement each other beautifully.

For a lighter option, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to add some fresh vegetables to the plate. My personal favorite is a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through all that rich, cheesy goodness and enjoy every single bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ribeye, strip steak, or even tenderloin work beautifully. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness and your preferred doneness level.

→ What if my cheese sauce turns grainy or separates completely?

Remove from heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of hot pasta water. The starch helps bring it back together smoothly.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

The steak tips reheat well, but I recommend making fresh cheese sauce. The pasta can be prepped and stored separately for best results.

→ What wine works best for deglazing the pan in this recipe?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work perfectly. You can substitute with beef broth if you prefer alcohol-free.

→ How do I know when the steak tips are perfectly cooked?

For medium doneness, cook until internal temperature reaches 135°F. They should feel slightly firm but still give when gently pressed with tongs.