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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and integrates into the sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
