Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a comforting pasta dish packed with rich flavors and a luscious cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that feels special without much fuss. Ready in under an hour, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Step 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 tomato flavor.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
8. Step 8: Serve the creamy beef rigatoni hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. Offer extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor and a slightly spicier kick.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the dish while keeping it creamy.
• For a vegetarian version, replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a boost of greens.

Storage

Store leftover creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, ziti, or even shells work well with this creamy sauce and beef mixture.

How can I make the dish less spicy?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes, or reduce the amount to suit your heat preference without sacrificing flavor.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni tossed in a luscious sauce made with ground beef, heavy cream, beef broth, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Aromatics like onion and garlic add depth, while Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick. Garnished with fresh parsley or basil, this dish is ideal for a satisfying family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta

Beef and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

• 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

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
6. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency as desired.
8. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Use leaner ground beef if you prefer a lighter dish, though the 80/20 ratio adds good flavor and moisture.
• Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and achieve a perfect creamy texture.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: creamy beef rigatoni, parmesan pasta, creamy pasta with beef, Italian beef pasta, comfort food pasta