Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together tender steak, creamy blue cheese, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, then this Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake is your new go-to dish. This bake combines the richness of blue cheese with juicy steak bites and a creamy sauce, creating a luscious pasta dinner that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a weekend treat, this dish promises to impress with its bold flavors and easy prep.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake is a dependable recipe because it balances robust flavors with simple, straightforward cooking techniques. The creamy sauce is made from scratch with heavy cream and real blue cheese, ensuring depth and richness without relying on pre-made sauces. The steak is seared to perfection before mixing into the pasta, locking in juices and flavor. Plus, the bake finishes with bubbling mozzarella cheese on top, giving it that irresistible golden crust. It’s a recipe that consistently delivers delicious results, even for those newer to cooking.

Ingredient Notes

• Rigatoni Pasta: Use 12 oz rigatoni, which holds sauce well in its ridges and hollow shape, making every bite flavorful.
• Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, then cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is best for searing the steak and sautéing veggies.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics add depth and a savory foundation to the sauce.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch, balancing the creamy and tangy cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious base for the sauce, ensuring it’s rich and silky.
• Blue Cheese: Use crumbled blue cheese to bring that iconic sharp, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with steak.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, giving the bake a gooey, golden crust.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a hint of earthiness and herbaceous aroma.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Recommended Tools

• Large Pot: For boiling the rigatoni pasta to al dente perfection.
• Large Skillet: To sear the steak and sauté the vegetables.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch or similar-sized dish works well for baking the assembled rigatoni.
• Mixing Spoon: For stirring the sauce and combining ingredients evenly.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding mozzarella cheese fresh, which melts better than pre-shredded.

Step-by-Step: Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: Sauté the 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.

Step 4: 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 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Steak & Sauce

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.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

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.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Seasonal Adaptations

• In the fall, swap the bell peppers for roasted butternut squash for a sweet, nutty twist.
• During spring, add fresh asparagus or peas to the vegetable mix for a bright, fresh flavor.
• In summer, use roasted cherry tomatoes to replace the bell pepper for a juicy, tangy contrast.
• Winter calls for heartier greens like kale or spinach stirred into the sauce for extra nutrition.

Pro Perspective

For the best Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake, use a high-quality, well-marbled steak to ensure tenderness and flavor. Let the steak rest after searing to retain its juices before mixing it with the pasta. When making the sauce, keep the heat moderate to prevent the cream from curdling and to allow the blue cheese to melt smoothly. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the cream. Finally, don’t skimp on fresh herbs; parsley adds brightness that balances the richness beautifully.

Storage & Reheat Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• You can also microwave individual portions, but cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals to avoid uneven heating.
• If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake Q&A

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or even rigatoni’s close cousin, cavatappi. Just ensure you adjust cooking time to al dente.

Is there a way to make this dish less rich?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be lighter and less creamy. Reducing the blue cheese slightly can also balance richness.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the bake and refrigerate it for several hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

What should I serve with this bake?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables work wonderfully to cut through the richness. For more ideas, check out recipes like Cajun Chicken Pasta In Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce or the Tomato Feta Orzo Bake One Dish for complementary pasta dishes.

Don’t Miss These

• Cajun Chicken Pasta In Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce – A creamy, spicy pasta perfect for variety nights.
• Tomato Feta Orzo Bake One Dish – A tangy, fresh orzo bake that pairs well with any protein.

Final Bite

This Steak & Blue Cheese Rigatoni Bake brings together the best of bold flavors and creamy textures in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this bake’s rich sauce, tender steak, and bubbly cheese topping create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. The balance of sharp blue cheese with hearty steak ensures every forkful is packed with flavor, while the fresh parsley finish keeps it light and vibrant. Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite pasta bake that’s perfect any night of the week.

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