Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a comforting pasta dish combining tender rigatoni, savory ground beef, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss.

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 package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 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 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 enhance the tomato paste flavor.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add the mozzarella, stirring until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
8. Step 8: Transfer the creamy beef rigatoni to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, adjusting cooking times as needed.
• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.
• Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different creamy texture.
• If you prefer spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream base.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to the package instructions.

How do I get the sauce to the perfect consistency?

Reserve some pasta water when draining the rigatoni and add it gradually to the sauce to loosen it up without losing creaminess.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 81 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made from ground beef, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Infused with Italian seasoning and a hint of tomato paste, this satisfying meal comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight 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. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: 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 an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Seasoning: 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 flavor of the tomato paste.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Then add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
8. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve hot. Offer additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture balance.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Parmesan beef pasta, creamy rigatoni, Italian beef pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef pasta