Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Sauce
Indulge in a soul-warming bowl of Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Sauce. This decadent dish combines hearty ground beef with perfectly cooked al dente pasta, all enveloped in a silky, garlic-infused sauce. It is the ultimate restaurant-quality weeknight meal that is quick enough for busy evenings yet sophisticated enough for guests, offering deep, savory flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
1 lb (450g) ground beef
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked; drain excess fat if desired.
Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet with the beef.
Once butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the beef broth and Italian seasoning, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavor.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in place of beef. If you prefer an earthy, meatless version, swap the beef broth for mushroom broth. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best sauce texture.