If you are craving a luscious, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe. It combines tender rigatoni pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, loaded with savory ground beef and smothered in a melty blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Every bite bursts with deep, satisfying flavor, making it a perfect go-to dish for family dinners or an indulgent weeknight treat. This recipe hits all the right notes for pasta lovers who want creamy, cheesy, and hearty all in one dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the perfectly cooked rigatoni providing the ideal bite, to the creamy cheese and savory beef balancing richness with depth.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: Choose rigatoni for its tube shape that traps sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: The savory backbone giving the dish hearty flavor and protein.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness and carries the garlic flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with irresistible, aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle spicy kick if you like a little heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For just a touch of pungency and warmth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s savoriness.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and a rich base for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the ultra-creamy and silky texture that defines this dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and perfect for melting into the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives the dish that irresistible gooey cheesiness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Perfectly
Begin by boiling your rigatoni in well-salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, just tender yet with a pleasant bite. This step is essential because the pasta will soak up all those creamy, cheesy flavors later on without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain the rigatoni and set it aside, keeping it warm and ready to mingle with the savory beef sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. This process is where those rich, meaty flavors start to develop. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease to keep the sauce balanced and silky, rather than greasy.
Step 3: Build the Garlicky Butter Sauce
Add the butter right into the skillet with the cooked beef, letting it melt and mingle with the meat juices. Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and black pepper. Sauté everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step layers that classic garlic butter flavor that’s the heart of this dish.
Step 4: Enrich the Sauce with Tomato and Broth
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it just long enough to slightly caramelize and deepen its flavor. Then, pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to blend everything beautifully. Bring this luscious mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens just right to coat the rigatoni perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Combine
Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese together with half the mozzarella until melted and silky smooth. This is where your sauce truly transforms into the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe you dream about, rich and velvety in every spoonful. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet, stirring carefully so every piece is coated in that cheesy garlic butter sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Melted Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the rigatoni in the skillet. Cover and let it cook for 2 to 3 more minutes over low heat until the cheese melts into ooey-gooey perfection. If you want to turn this into a baked delight, simply transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, add extra mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish look as good as it tastes, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. The bright green adds a fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy goodness and introduces a hint of herbal brightness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs marvelously with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a bit of crunch and freshness alongside the creamy rigatoni.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep it warm and inviting. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chili flakes on top for guests who love a little extra kick. A glass of your favorite Italian red wine makes this an elegant, cozy dinner celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rigatoni can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Because the cheese sauce is so rich, it tends to thicken in the fridge, so you might want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing if you plan on topping with fresh parsley—add that fresh garnish when serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a little broth, cream, or milk helps loosen the sauce and maintains that wonderful creamy texture we love in Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, other tube-shaped or ridged pasta like penne or ziti work just as well.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute ground turkey for beef and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce fat content without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can easily omit them if you prefer a milder version of Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe.
What’s the best cheese to use?
A combination of Parmesan and mozzarella is perfect for flavor and meltability, but feel free to add some fontina or provolone for a twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that instantly becomes a family favorite with its irresistible layers of flavor and comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this creamy, cheesy, garlicky pasta is guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and eager for seconds.
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Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is a rich and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender rigatoni pasta smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce loaded with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and savory ground beef. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this skillet meal combines bold garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Beef & Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic & Seasonings: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Sauté everything for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well incorporated.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Melt Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss to thoroughly coat the pasta in the creamy beef sauce.
- Final Melt: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta in the skillet. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until the mozzarella melts and becomes gooey.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni hot.
Notes
- For a baked variation, transfer the pasta and sauce to a casserole dish, top with additional mozzarella cheese, and broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for different protein options.
- To reduce fat, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
