Description
This Indulgent Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, combined with hearty ground beef and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe balances bold Italian flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, continuing to stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Beef with Sauce: Return the cooked rigatoni and browned ground beef to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich creamy sauce.
- Bake with Mozzarella Topping: Transfer the creamy beef and pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Place under the oven broiler on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve hot for a deliciously creamy and cheesy meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
- Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning the mozzarella cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
