Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake Recipe
This Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake is a deliciously creamy and hearty pasta dish that combines tender seared steak pieces with a rich blue cheese sauce, perfectly baked with melted mozzarella on top. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for a satisfying dinner.
- 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
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup blue cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Others
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the steak: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb 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.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the browned bits. Stir in 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Cook gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine steak and pasta: 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.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: 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.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak for tender, flavorful meat.
- Don’t overcook the steak during searing; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, reduce the amount slightly or substitute with a milder cheese.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just bake longer if coming from cold.
Keywords: steak rigatoni bake, blue cheese pasta bake, baked rigatoni with steak, creamy blue cheese pasta, comfort food pasta bake
