Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Nothing says comfort food quite like a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and heartiness. This Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta is the perfect combination of tender beef, al dente pasta, and a velvety parmesan sauce that will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds.

This dish is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners while still feeling indulgent enough for a weekend treat. The best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy families.

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this one will quickly become a staple in your home. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy – The parmesan-based sauce is rich and coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
• Satisfyingly Hearty – With ground beef and rigatoni, this meal is filling and packed with protein.
• Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this a perfect weeknight meal.
• Great for Leftovers – The flavors develop even more overnight, making this an ideal meal prep option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• Water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Beef & Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, but reserve ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).

Once the beef is mostly cooked, stir in the chopped onion and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend.

Next, slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well-coated. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, letting it melt and create a creamy, cheesy texture. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to bring the flavors together.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce, aim for a slightly firm (al dente) texture.
• Thin Out the Sauce if Needed – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or beef broth to loosen it up.
• Add Extra Spice – If you love a little kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Notes

• You can substitute penne, ziti, or any other short pasta if you don’t have rigatoni.
• For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce may not be as thick.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~650
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fat: ~38g
• Sodium: ~780mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, but cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding liquid to restore the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

This pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni, try these other delicious pasta dishes:

• Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne
• Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

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