Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

There’s something truly magical about gathering around the family table to enjoy a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that embodies everything I love about home-cooked goodness: Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni. This dish takes me back to my childhood, where the kitchen was always filled with laughter, storytelling, and the comforting aroma of a meal that brings everyone together.

As you prepare this dish, you’ll uncover a few delightful joys: the simple pleasure of watching cheese melt into a creamy sauce, the satisfying sizzle of beef as it browns perfectly, and the way rigatoni captures every bit of that savory, cheesy goodness. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that welcomes you with open arms, offering warmth and comfort with each bite.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

1. Nostalgic Comfort: This dish will transport you back to family dinners, evoking memories of cozy evenings and shared stories. There’s something deeply satisfying about preparing a dish that not only fills your home with comforting aromas but also fills your heart with nostalgia.
2. Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of rich Parmesan and tender beef creates a hearty, delicious plate that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, thanks to the perfectly balanced ingredients.
3. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this incredible dish; it’s designed for ease and convenience.
4. Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that everyone, from kids to grandparents, will love and ask for seconds. The creamy texture and savory flavors are universally appealing, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings.
5. Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily tweak it to suit your taste, whether adding extra spice or sneaking in some veggies for a nutritional boost. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add a handful of spinach for an extra touch of green.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Creating this Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a breeze with just a few kitchen essentials:

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling the rigatoni to al dente perfection. The key is to ensure your pasta has plenty of room to move around so it cooks evenly.
• Large Skillet: A must for sautéing onions, browning beef, and bringing the sauce to life. A high-quality skillet ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for developing flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and ensuring everything blends beautifully. Wooden utensils are gentle on your cookware and perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching surfaces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting all your ingredients just right. Accurate measurements are key to balancing flavors, especially when dealing with potent ingredients like Parmesan.
• Colander: To drain your pasta while saving that precious pasta water for the sauce. The starchy water is a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 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
• 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 according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside. Cooking pasta al dente ensures it retains a pleasant, chewy texture when mixed with the sauce.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic is truly divine and sets the foundation for the entire dish.
3. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that’s crucial for a hearty sauce.
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavor of the tomato paste. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and infuses the dish with a subtle tang.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The combination of beef broth and cream creates a rich, luscious base for the sauce.
6. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add mozzarella for extra creaminess, stirring until smooth. The cheese should melt seamlessly into the sauce, creating a velvety texture.
7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The starches in the pasta water help the sauce adhere to the rigatoni, creating a cohesive dish.
8. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy beef rigatoni to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with additional Parmesan on the side. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Italian • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 40 minutes • Calories: 650 • Servings: 6

Note: For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes, or for a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni isn’t just chosen for taste but also for the nutritional benefits they bring to the table:

• Ground Beef: A great source of protein and essential amino acids, perfect for building and repairing tissues. Opting for 80/20 beef ensures a balance of flavor and tenderness due to its fat content.
• Parmesan Cheese: Full of calcium and protein, it adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. Parmesan also contains compounds that enhance umami, making each bite deeply satisfying.
• Garlic and Onion: These aromatic vegetables not only enhance flavor but also offer antioxidants and antibacterial properties. They are known for boosting immunity and adding depth to dishes.
• Tomato Paste: Packed with lycopene, it contributes a tangy depth and a dose of antioxidants. Lycopene is known for its potential heart health benefits.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil are not only vibrant garnishes but also provide vitamins A, C, and K. They add freshness and a burst of flavor, elevating the dish to new heights.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

Turn your meal into a full Italian feast with these delightful pairings:

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery, and perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. The crunchy exterior and soft interior of garlic bread complement the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the dish. The tangy Caesar dressing pairs well with the savory pasta, cutting through the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus or bell peppers for added color and flavor. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables, providing a delightful contrast to the savory rigatoni.
• Classic Tiramisu: Finish your meal on a sweet note with this iconic Italian dessert. Its creamy layers and coffee-soaked ladyfingers provide a luxurious end to your meal.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

This dish is not just a one-time pleasure; it makes for fantastic leftovers that are just as satisfying, if not more, the next day.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Proper storage ensures the flavors remain intact and the texture is preserved.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Reheating slowly prevents the sauce from separating.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing in portions makes it easy to grab a single serving whenever needed.
• Creative Leftovers: Transform leftovers into a baked pasta dish by topping with extra mozzarella and baking until bubbly. This adds a delightful crispy cheese layer, giving the dish a new twist.

As you embrace the joy of cooking this Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni, remember that every dish you create is a cherished memory in the making. Cooking isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about nourishing the soul and creating a sense of home. Gather your loved ones, savor the flavors, and make every meal a celebration of love and togetherness.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

This creamy and savory rigatoni dish combines beef, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a comforting, family-friendly meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 850

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred for flavor
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 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
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavor of the tomato paste.
5. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add mozzarella for extra creaminess, stirring until smooth.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
8. Transfer the creamy beef rigatoni to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with additional Parmesan on the side.

Notes

For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.