Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring rigatoni, ground beef, and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta Can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred) Consider using ground turkey for a lighter option.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is recommended for better texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For additional creaminess.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust to taste for heat.
- to taste salt and black pepper
- to taste fresh parsley or basil, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 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.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add the mozzarella and stir until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with additional Parmesan on the side.
Notes
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed. Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.