Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Beef and Parmesan Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how simple yet satisfying this recipe is. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s both creamy and flavorful. The addition of ground beef brings a hearty touch, making it a full meal in itself. Rigatoni pasta, with its tubular shape, perfectly holds the sauce, ensuring every bite is deliciously creamy. This dish also offers a touch of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes (if you choose to add them), making it ideal for anyone who loves a little kick in their pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook it until al dente. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain any excess fat once the beef is fully cooked.

3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté everything for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir to combine. Add in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish, including the pasta cook time.

Variations

• Add vegetables: I sometimes toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

• Use different pasta: While rigatoni is my choice, penne or fettuccine would work just as well.

• Make it spicy: For an extra kick, I add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes or some hot sauce into the creamy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work perfectly in place of ground beef, giving the dish a lighter feel while still providing that satisfying protein.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can! I recommend preparing the sauce and cooking the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately and reheat when ready to serve. Add the pasta to the sauce just before serving to ensure the pasta doesn’t become too soggy.

Can I freeze this recipe?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce. After making the creamy sauce and letting it cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove, adding fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

What kind of cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?

If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor and texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, or try a vegetarian protein like lentils or tofu to replace the beef for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Conclusion

I love how creamy, savory, and comforting this Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Beef and Parmesan Sauce is. It’s a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends and family. The combination of rich cheeses, hearty beef, and deliciously smooth sauce makes this dish a winner every time. Whether you stick with the original recipe or try one of the variations, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Print