Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – A luxurious garlic butter and cream sauce coats every bite.
- Hearty & Satisfying – Ground beef adds protein and makes this dish extra filling.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make it perfect for busy nights.
- Comfort Food Favorite – A cheesy, buttery pasta dish the whole family will love.
- Customizable – Add veggies, different cheeses, or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Cream & Cheese: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet, then toss in the rigatoni. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Season & Serve: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella or a touch of cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
- Herb Upgrade: Fresh basil or thyme can enhance the flavor beautifully.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or fettuccine all work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a little reserved pasta water or extra cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.
What’s the best cheese substitute for mozzarella?
Provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack can be used for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and light cream for a lighter version.
Can I add a crispy topping?
Yes! Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the pasta and broil for a couple of minutes for a crispy finish.
Does this dish go well with garlic bread?
Absolutely! Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on low when adding the cream and cheese, and stir continuously.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the beef or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Conclusion
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, garlicky, and cheesy flavors in every bite. It's quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Try this delicious pasta dish tonight, and watch it become a family favorite!
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is a rich, indulgent pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender rigatoni is coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and hearty ground beef. Quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, this cheesy pasta is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Cream & Cheese: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then toss in the rigatoni. Stir to coat everything in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce.
- Season & Serve: Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella or a touch of cream cheese for an ultra-creamy sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh basil or thyme enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
