Description
Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender rigatoni pasta with a rich, creamy sauce and savory ground beef. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish. The creamy blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that coats each piece of pasta, making it an instant favorite for both kids and adults. Serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will impress your guests without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned (6–8 minutes) and drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream; let simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted; mix in mozzarella until smooth.
- Toss cooked rigatoni in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg