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Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is a comforting and rich pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni tossed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, topped with hearty browned ground beef. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy-to-make meal delivers indulgent flavors and a satisfying texture the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Beef

  • 1 pound ground beef

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

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. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove excess fat if necessary.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring to create a creamy base.
  4. Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked rigatoni and browned beef to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed for a glossy finish.
  6. Serve Hot: Plate the creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef immediately while warm, ready to impress your family or guests.

Notes

  • Cook rigatoni just until al dente for the ideal texture that holds up well in the sauce.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for a brighter and richer garlic flavor instead of garlic powder.
  • Freshly grate Parmesan cheese and use high-quality mozzarella for best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of heavy cream and pasta water to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
  • Taste and season frequently with salt, pepper, and herbs for a well-balanced dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: rigatoni, garlic butter sauce, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta, ground beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner