Indulging in a plate of Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is like giving yourself a warm hug on a chilly evening. This delectable recipe captivates your taste buds with its rich flavors and comforting textures. With tender rigatoni pasta enveloped in a luxurious creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, every bite brings you closer to heaven. What makes this dish even more appealing is its simplicity; you can whip it up in just under 30 minutes! Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that delights the whole family or an indulgent comfort dish for a cozy weekend, this rigatoni recipe fits the bill.
Imagine the aroma of garlic butter wafting through your kitchen, tempting everyone to gather around the table. The harmonious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and appetizing sauce that clings to each piece of pasta, ensuring a satisfying mouthful every time. The inclusion of savory ground beef adds depth and heartiness, making this recipe not just a meal, but an experience. It’s perfect for busy nights when you desire a tasty dish that feels indulgent and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weekday dinners or last-minute entertaining.
- Comfort Food: It combines luxurious cheese sauce, rich garlic butter, and savory beef, making it irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this creamy pasta dish, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table.
- Versatile: You can customize it by adding vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Foolproof Recipe: Each step is straightforward, ensuring success even for novice cooks.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by making sure your workspace is clean and organized. You will need a large pot for boiling the rigatoni and a spacious skillet to create the creamy sauce. A colander for draining the pasta is also necessary, along with a wooden spoon or spatula to stir and combine the ingredients smoothly.
Gather high-quality ingredients for the best flavors: fresh garlic, quality cheeses, and ground beef. It would help if you also had measuring cups and spoons on hand to ensure the right proportions. Having everything ready allows for a smooth cooking process, which is especially vital when you need to have dinner ready quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Rigatoni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta while cooking. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles, as this starchy liquid can help in adjusting the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside; this allows excess grease to drain.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt gently, introducing the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1–2 minutes until it’s fragrant but ensure it doesn’t turn brown, as that could alter the taste of the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the garlic is perfectly sautéed, pour in the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to heat through and thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Slowly start stirring in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This is where your sauce transforms into something spectacular!
Step 6: Combine the Beef and Rigatoni
Return the browned beef back into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to combine. Then, add the drained rigatoni noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the rigatoni hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or your choice of fresh herbs for an added touch.
Variations
- Protein: Try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Incorporate ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs to create your signature taste.
Cooking Notes
- For the creamiest sauce, make sure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it.
- Avoid overcooking the rigatoni; it should remain firm to the bite.
- Adjust the level of spice by modifying or eliminating the crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you’re not a fan of cheese, consider substituting with a non-dairy cream alternative and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this creamy rigatoni with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- A nice loaf of garlic bread or crusty bread would complement the dish, perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.
Tips
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce the amount of cheese or substitute some with Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While rigatoni is great, you can easily swap it for penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth if needed.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You may prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can reheat leftovers once cooked.
What can I serve with Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni?
Garlic bread, a crisp salad, or your choice of steamed vegetables make excellent companions to this dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef recipe is not just a dish; it’s a way to bring comfort and joy to your dining table. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and quick preparation time, it stands out as a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress family and friends, this recipe will not disappoint. So, why not gather the ingredients and get cooking? Don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts and any variations you tried. Share this delightful recipe with your loved ones and watch it become a hit in your home!
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Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulging in a plate of Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is like giving yourself a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta while cooking. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles, as this starchy liquid can help in adjusting the sauce later if needed.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside; this allows excess grease to drain.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt gently, introducing the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1–2 minutes until it’s fragrant but ensure it doesn’t turn brown, as that could alter the taste of the sauce.
- Once the garlic is perfectly sautéed, pour in the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to heat through and thicken slightly.
- Slowly start stirring in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Return the browned beef back into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to combine. Then, add the drained rigatoni noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Finally, taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the rigatoni hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or your choice of fresh herbs for an added touch.
Notes
For the creamiest sauce, make sure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it. Avoid overcooking the rigatoni; it should remain firm to the bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 32 g