Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

Indulge in Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish, especially when it features a delightful blend of ground beef, cheese, and rigatoni. Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is the kind of dish that comes to the rescue on those busy weeknights, yet it feels special enough to impress guests. Trust me, this recipe quickly became a family favorite in my house and it could be in yours too!

Reasons to Try This Recipe

What makes this recipe a must-cook? It’s a quick, budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or even celebratory meals, the combination of creamy sauce and hearty beef makes it a definitive crowd-pleaser. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal without lengthy prep or cooking times.

“This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is now a staple in my kitchen! It’s rich, full of flavor, and my kids actually ask for it on a regular basis. What more could you want?” — Happy Home Cook

The Cooking Process Explained

Let’s break down how this creamy, cheesy dish comes together. You’ll start by cooking the rigatoni, then move on to sautéing your aromatics and browning the beef. Once you’ve got that fantastic flavor base, it’s all about adding the creaminess. A few simple steps and you’ll be savoring a bowl of comfort in no time!

What You’ll Need

To create this delicious Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. You can also try plant-based cheeses for a vegetarian version!

Directions to Follow

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set the pasta aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

5. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.

6. Gradually incorporate the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Then, add the mozzarella and stir until smooth.

7. Toss the cooked rigatoni in the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for your desired consistency.

8. Serve the creamy beef rigatoni on plates, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. Don’t forget to have extra Parmesan on the side!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni, think simple yet elegant. A sprinkle of chopped herbs adds a fresh touch, while a generous shower of additional Parmesan will take it over the top. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This dish also freezes beautifully—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, just add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Helpful Cooking Tips

For best results, use high-quality meat and cheeses. This can elevate the flavor and texture considerably. Also, feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. If you want an extra flavor boost, throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach!

Creative Twists

Love a little variety in your pasta dishes? Here are some creative twists you can try:

• Swap the beef for Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
• Substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce with a lighter feel.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the prep time for Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni?
The prep time is about 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 30 minutes.

Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work—penne or fettuccine can be delightful alternatives.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Using leaner ground meats, such as turkey or chicken, and reducing the amount of cheese can lighten this dish considerably.

Now that you have all the essentials, it’s time to bring this delightful Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni to your table! Your taste buds are in for a treat.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

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This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that's quick to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to impress your family or guests.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 700

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Pasta

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Meat & Dairy

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred) For better flavor.
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Condiments & Spices

• 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes Optional, adjust based on spice preference.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped For garnish.

Method

 

Cooking Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

Sauté Aromatics and Meat

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Make the Sauce

1. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
3. Gradually incorporate the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Then, add the mozzarella and stir until smooth.

Combine and Serve

1. Toss the cooked rigatoni in the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for your desired consistency.
2. Serve the creamy beef rigatoni on plates, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, and extra Parmesan on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 39gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

For best results, use high-quality meat and cheeses. To lighten the dish, use leaner ground meats, such as turkey or chicken, and reduce cheese. It also freezes well—cool completely before freezing.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!