Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor, the Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme is your answer. Imagine perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta tossed with tender, thinly sliced flank steak and enveloped in a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzola cheeses. This dish is a celebration of textures and tastes—from the creamy, tangy cheeses to the robust, savory steak. It’s a meal that elevates weeknight dinners to something truly special and makes any occasion feel like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a decadent dinner, this recipe is designed to impress and satisfy.

The Upside of Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme

This Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Here’s why it stands out:

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of four different cheeses creates a flavor profile that’s complex yet comforting.
• Hearty and Filling: With tender flank steak and rigatoni pasta, this dish is protein-packed and satisfying.
• Easy to Customize: You can tweak the cheese blend or swap out the steak for other proteins without losing the essence.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This dish looks and tastes like it took hours, but comes together in under 45 minutes.
• Bold Flavors: Garlic, basil, and oregano add an aromatic punch that complements the cheeses and steak beautifully.

What Goes In

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta: The ridges and tubes are perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced: Chosen for its flavor and tenderness when sliced thin.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild sweetness to balance the stronger cheeses.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a gooey texture.
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese: Offers a tangy, slightly sharp contrast that lifts the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the steak and garlic to perfection.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory, aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a classic Italian herb note.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal finish.

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Large pot: For boiling rigatoni to al dente perfection.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: To cook the steak and garlic evenly.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the cheeses before tossing them with the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the flank steak thinly and chopping parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the pasta and cheese mixture gently without breaking the rigatoni.

Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme in Steps

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Steak and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer, seasoning with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzola cheeses. Stir gently to blend the cheeses evenly. This mixture will be your luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with garlic, then add the cheese blend and toss everything together gently. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up and help the cheese melt into a silky coating.

Step 5: Add the Steak Back In

Return the cooked flank steak slices to the skillet, gently folding them into the cheesy pasta. Allow everything to warm through for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

International Equivalents

• Italy: While the steak element is less common in traditional Italian pasta dishes, the cheese blend echoes the rich use of cheeses in dishes like Parmesan Mushroom Risotto that showcase creamy textures.
• France: Think of a gratin or a creamy cheese sauce like béchamel mixed with robust proteins, similar to French comfort classics.
• United States: The use of multiple cheeses and steak is very much in line with American comfort food traditions, especially in hearty pasta bakes and skillet meals.
• Argentina: Known for its steak culture, pairing beef with pasta dishes is a familiar and beloved concept.

Cook’s Commentary

When crafting the Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme, the balance between the cheeses is key. Ricotta softens the sharpness of gorgonzola, while mozzarella adds that perfect stretchy melt. Parmesan is the umami powerhouse that ties everything together. The flank steak must be sliced thin to ensure tenderness and quick cooking — this prevents any chewiness that can detract from the dish’s luxurious feel.

Another tip: don’t overcook the pasta. Rigatoni’s ridges are perfect for holding on to the cheese sauce, which makes every bite decadent. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, add a pinch of red chili flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.

For an extra touch, consider drizzling some Pourable Nacho Cheese Sauce on the side or serving it alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture without drying out the pasta.
• Garnish freshly with parsley after reheating to restore the vibrant, fresh look.
• This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cheese texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of flank steak?

Absolutely! Skirt steak or sirloin thinly sliced can be excellent alternatives. Just ensure the steak is sliced thinly to maintain tenderness and quick cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the steak and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a hearty, meat-free version that still delivers robust flavor.

What’s the best way to thin out the cheese sauce if it’s too thick?

Reserve some pasta water when cooking the rigatoni. Adding a little at a time while mixing will help loosen the sauce and keep it silky smooth.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the components separately, such as slicing the steak and cooking the pasta, but it’s best to assemble and serve the dish fresh to enjoy the optimal texture and flavors.

Weekend Projects

• Pourable Nacho Cheese Sauce – Make your own versatile cheese sauce that’s perfect for dips and drizzles.
• Parmesan Mushroom Risotto – Another creamy, cheesy dish that’s a fantastic weekend cooking project.
• Homemade cheese blends – Experiment with creating your own cheese blends to customize dishes like this one.
• Perfecting risotto techniques – Take your creamy dishes to the next level with risotto skills.

In Closing

The Four-Cheese Steak Rigatoni Supreme is a decadent dish that combines the best of creamy cheeses and savory steak with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent without being complicated, perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself or impress guests. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you can find at any grocery store, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your skillet, gather those cheeses, and get ready for a pasta experience that’s nothing short of supreme.

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