Description
Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This creamy pasta combines hearty ground beef and rich cheeses in a luscious sauce that clings to every piece of rigatoni. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe that pleases both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining friends. Plus, the dish is easily customizable—add your favorite vegetables or swap out proteins to suit your taste. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it apart until fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream; simmer to thicken.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese followed by mozzarella until melted.
- Combine rigatoni with the sauce, using reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg