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Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
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Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is a rich and comforting pasta dish combining tender rigatoni coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and flavorful seasoned ground beef. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, it makes the perfect hearty weeknight dinner or special meal to impress friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • Rigatoni pasta (quantity as per package instructions, typically 12 oz)
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat, then remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the garlic in butter: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Make the creamy cheese sauce: Pour in heavy cream and gently simmer. Gradually add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add rigatoni and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy cheese sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
  6. Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately hot for best taste and comfort.

Notes

  • Do not overcook rigatoni to keep al dente texture that holds sauce well.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic and bold flavor.
  • For extra cheesiness, double the amount of mozzarella or add cream cheese.
  • Drain excess fat from beef to prevent greasy sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy rigatoni, cheesy pasta, garlic butter sauce, ground beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/creamy-cheesy-garlic-butter-rigatoni-with-savory-beef/