Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 46 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop and Broiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Indulgent Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is a hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni enveloped in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, layered with savory browned ground beef and topped with a gooey, golden layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a special occasion meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Rigatoni pasta

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound Ground beef
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce

  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Topping

  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)


Instructions

  1. Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rigatoni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the beef to a plate, leaving drippings in the skillet.
  3. Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt it. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
  4. Prepare the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and integrates into the sauce.
  6. Combine pasta and beef with sauce: Return the rigatoni and browned beef to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything well in the creamy sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Broil with mozzarella topping: Preheat the oven broiler to high. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Melt and brown the cheese: Place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for a minute. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; cook only until fragrant.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
  • The broiler step is important to achieve a cheesy golden crust on top.
  • You can substitute rigatoni with other tubular pasta like penne or ziti if preferred.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.