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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
