Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Mozzarella Rigatoni brings a cozy, saucy dinner to the table in under an hour. The steak sizzles in garlic butter while the rigatoni bakes into a melty, creamy bed of cheese and pasta. This is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners that need a warm, comforting meal. If you love garlic-forward steak, try our similar garlic steak with butternut squash for another easy feast.

Why Make This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 45–55 minutes from start to finish.
Family Favorite: Cheesy pasta plus tender steak pleases kids and adults.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients but tastes special.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can cook components early and finish before serving.

What makes it stand out is the mix of bright garlic butter on the steak and a rich, slightly stretchy mozzarella sauce on the rigatoni. The house will smell warm and buttery, the steak stays juicy, and the pasta pulls in long cheese ribbons that make everyone smile. If you’d like a hands-off option, consider our slow-cooked version in the crockpot for a different texture and comfort: slow-cooked garlic butter beef bites.

Ingredients

For the steak tips

1½ pounds beef steak tips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1–1½ inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (softened for later)
4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

For the creamy mozzarella rigatoni

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + ½ cup cream for richer sauce)
1 cup grated mozzarella, plus extra for topping
½ cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish

Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional for a gentle heat)

Notes: Use room-temperature butter for easier melting. If you use salted butter, reduce added salt.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Mozzarella Rigatoni

Prep: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season the steak tips with salt, pepper, and oregano. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so they cook evenly.

Tip: Resting reduces cold spots and helps a nicer sear.

Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to keep from sticking.

Tip: Slightly undercook by 1 minute because it will finish in the oven with the sauce.

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute to make a roux.

Why: Cooking the flour removes the raw taste and helps the sauce thicken.

Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Mix the sauce with the drained rigatoni and transfer to a baking dish.

Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When hot, add steak tips in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until brown but still juicy inside. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 minced garlic clove in the last minute and spoon the melted butter over the steak. Remove steak to a plate and let rest 3 minutes.

Why: High heat creates a crust and locks in juices.

Stir the rested steak pieces into the rigatoni and sauce in the baking dish. Sprinkle extra mozzarella over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Tip: Letting it rest helps the sauce set so it’s not runny.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Mozzarella Rigatoni

Spoon onto warmed plates and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a fresh look.
Serve with a simple green salad (crisp lettuce, lemon vinaigrette) to cut the richness.
Pair with crusty garlic bread to soak up any buttery sauce.

How to Store Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Mozzarella Rigatoni

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool to room temperature first.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes covered, or reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between, to keep the steak tender.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Mozzarella Rigatoni

Pat steak dry before seasoning so it browns well.
Don’t overcook the steak; pull it off at medium-rare to medium and let carryover heat finish it.
Use whole milk or a bit of cream for a silkier sauce.
Let the baked dish rest a few minutes so the cheese sets and slices cleanly.

Variation

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rigatoni and a gluten-free flour (like rice flour or a 1:1 GF blend) for the roux.
Vegetarian twist: Swap steak tips for thick-cut mushrooms or seitan, cook in garlic butter the same way, and fold into the pasta.

FAQ 1: Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes. Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well. Cut them into even bite-size pieces so they cook at the same rate.

FAQ 2: Can I make the dish ahead and bake later?

Yes. Assemble the pasta and cooked steak in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

FAQ 3: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If too thick, stir in a splash of milk until you reach the right consistency.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Creamy Mozzarella Rigatoni recipe brings rich, buttery garlic flavors and cozy melted cheese to your kitchen. It’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for weekend dinners. If you enjoyed the balance of steak and creamy pasta here, you might also like this version for inspiration: Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Rigatoni – Cooked.wiki. Please leave a comment and a star rating to tell others what worked for you, and share the recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so friends can make it too. What twist did you try? Let us know below!