Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake combines tender steak pieces with a creamy, tangy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a satisfying dish that brings bold flavors and comforting textures to your dinner table with ease.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb steak (cut into bite-sized pieces, sirloin or ribeye recommended)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 medium bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup blue cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the browned bits. Stir in the blue cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the steak to the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked rigatoni. Stir gently to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy blue cheese sauce.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rigatoni bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use sirloin for a leaner option or ribeye for extra flavor and tenderness.
• If you prefer a milder taste, substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or another creamy cheese.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a vegetarian twist, replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the texture. Microwaving is also possible but may soften the pasta slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or ziti work well as substitutes if rigatoni isn’t available.

How do I prevent the steak from overcooking?

Remove the steak from the skillet as soon as it’s browned but still slightly undercooked; it will finish cooking in the oven during baking.

Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 123 reviews

This Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake combines tender pieces of seared steak with a creamy blue cheese sauce, tender rigatoni pasta, and a melty mozzarella topping baked to golden perfection. Aromatic onions, bell peppers, and garlic add savory depth, while fresh parsley garnishes add a bright finish. This hearty pasta bake makes a delicious and comforting meal perfect for dinner.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Steak and Vegetables

• 1 lb steak (cut into bite-sized pieces, sirloin or ribeye recommended)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 medium bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauces and Seasonings

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup blue cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Cheese and Garnish

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to deglaze the pan and incorporate the browned bits. Stir in the crumbled blue cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked rigatoni. Stir gently to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy blue cheese sauce.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rigatoni bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious steak and blue cheese rigatoni bake.

Notes

• Use sirloin or ribeye steak for the best tenderness and flavor.
• Be careful not to overcook the steak when searing, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
• You can substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola for a milder flavor.
• If you prefer a less rich sauce, reduce the heavy cream to 3/4 cup and add a splash of milk.
• For a vegetarian version, omit steak and add mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
• Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: steak rigatoni bake, blue cheese pasta bake, creamy steak pasta, baked rigatoni with cheese, easy pasta bake dinner, comfort food pasta