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Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Pasta
  • Method: Italian-American
  • Cuisine: Gluten-Containing, Non-Vegetarian
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Indulge in a rich and creamy garlic butter rigatoni topped with savory beef for a comforting meal your whole family will love! This decadent pasta dish is perfect for dinner and sure to satisfy all cravings


Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Rigatoni:

    • 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or any pasta shape of your choice)
    • 2 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

    For the Beef:

    • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

    For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup whole milk
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
    • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Beef:

    • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
    • Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Continue to cook until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    • Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Combine the Pasta and Beef:

    • Add the cooked rigatoni to the creamy sauce and toss until well coated.
    • Gently fold in the cooked beef mixture. Continue to stir until everything is combined and heated through.

 

  • Serve:

    • Plate the creamy rigatoni with beef and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish.
    • Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.
  • If you like more cheese, feel free to add extra mozzarella or Parmesan to the sauce!
  • This recipe can be made with any pasta you prefer, but rigatoni holds the creamy sauce beautifully.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg