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Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 56 reviews

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious sauce made from ground beef, heavy cream, beef broth, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic, and tomato paste, this meal is perfect for a hearty family dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.

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 Components

  • 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

  1. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 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 until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. 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 black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance the flavor of the tomato paste.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce. Then add the shredded mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy beef rigatoni to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot, optionally with additional Parmesan on the side.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness for better coating.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Drain excess grease after browning the beef to prevent a greasy sauce.

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni, pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta sauce, rigatoni with beef, Italian pasta dinner, easy family meal

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-parmesan-beef-rigatoni-recipe/