Description
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with savory ground beef and aromatic onions and garlic. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this dish combines the hearty flavors of browned beef with a smooth, cheesy sauce made with heavy cream, beef broth, and Parmesan cheese, finished off with a hint of Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (quantities not specified but typically 1-2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, then drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season beef: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Make sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated, making the sauce creamy. Optionally, you can add mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.
- Toss pasta: Combine the cooked rigatoni with the creamy beef sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly, using reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- If preferred, add mozzarella cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and creamy texture.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
