If you’re looking for a pasta dinner that’s impossibly creamy, deeply savory, and loaded with comfort, Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta should be at the top of your must-try list! This dish brings together tender rigatoni tossed with rich ground beef in a velvety Parmesan cheese sauce. Every bite is dotted with a kiss of garlic and Italian herbs, making it one of those foolproof, crowd-pleasing meals you’ll want to make again and again. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of classic staples, each one working together to create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Don’t be fooled by how simple the list is — every ingredient plays a starring role in taste, texture, or color for Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta.

Rigatoni pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully in every tube, giving the ideal bite and texture.
Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to sauté the beef and form the foundation of the sauce.
Ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Yellow onion: Infuses sweetness and complexity; dice it finely for the best texture.
Garlic: For that fragrant aroma and an unmistakable Italian flair; don’t skimp on it!
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that brighten all the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs to lend depth and a touch of earthiness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a hint of spice.
Heavy cream: The key to an ultra-velvety, luxurious sauce that clings to every noodle.
Beef broth: Rounds out the sauce and amps up the savory, meaty flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The show-stopper ingredient for bold, cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Lends gooey, indulgent mouthfeel throughout the pasta.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness, vivid color, and a pop of herby flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s rolling, toss in your rigatoni and cook just until al dente, following the package instructions. The pasta should still have a little bite since it’ll finish in the sauce. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the hearty beef sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally for another 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, add in your minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle warmth in your Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once your beef and aromatics are fragrant, reduce the skillet to medium-low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring constantly to combine and let the flavors marry. Let this simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the sauce starts to thicken ever so slightly, making sure it stays smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses directly into the skillet. Stir steadily and watch as your sauce transforms into a thick, creamy dream. This is the step that brings all the magic, turning everyday ingredients into the signature flavor of Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Serve

Add your cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss everything together until each piece is perfectly coated in sauce. Let it heat through for another minute or two so the flavors really soak in. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up the final dish but also adds an amazing pop of color. You can also shower a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving, or even a twist of freshly ground black pepper for added depth and aromatic flair.

Side Dishes

Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta is delightfully rich, so pairing it with a lightly dressed green salad or some roasted vegetables keeps the meal balanced. Warm, crispy garlic bread is practically required for swooping up every last drop of that sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests or elevate a weeknight, serve your pasta in shallow bowls and nestle a pile of extra parsley in the center. For gatherings, consider a big family-style platter, letting everyone serve themselves. Or, portion into individual ramekins for a more elegant bistro vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days — the flavors meld even more overnight, making it an irresistible next-day lunch!

Freezing

The creamy sauce freezes surprisingly well! Cool the pasta completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to one month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Stir well and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s tubular shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, penne or ziti work well too. Just keep in mind, sturdier shapes hold up better to the hearty beef and creamy sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choose ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version, but you’ll still enjoy a rich, comforting flavor in your Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta.

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta ahead of time?

Definitely! Cook the dish as directed, cool it completely, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat with a splash of extra cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and revive that silky texture.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are fantastic alternatives, lending a punchy, salty kick that still makes the sauce luscious and delicious.

How can I add extra vegetables?

Feel free to stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers when you add the onions. These additions bring extra color, texture, and nutrition to your Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta without overpowering the main flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta to your table. It’s cozy, simple, and satisfying — a true celebration of everything comfort food should be. Treat yourself and those you love to this creamy, cheesy pasta and enjoy every last bite!

Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this rich and savory Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta. A comforting dish that combines tender rigatoni with a creamy, cheesy beef sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Beef Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook rigatoni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Sauce: Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in cream and broth, simmer, then add cheeses.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta to the sauce, heat through, garnish with parsley, and serve.