Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Let’s be real—there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of pasta covered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Now, imagine adding savory beef and a punch of garlic butter to the mix. It’s the kind of meal that’ll make you want to cozy up and savor every single bite. Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is exactly that—a rich, indulgent pasta dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight but decadent enough to feel like a special treat. Trust me, this dish is about to become your new go-to!

This pasta combines the hearty goodness of rigatoni with the irresistible flavors of garlic butter and cheesy creaminess. Add in some tender beef, and you’ve got a perfect one-pan meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and so full of flavor, you’ll be going back for seconds (or thirds)!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Full of Flavor

The combination of garlic butter, cheese, and savory beef is truly a dream come true. Each bite of rigatoni is drenched in creamy, garlicky goodness, with just the right amount of savory beef to take it to the next level.

Comforting & Hearty

This dish hits all the right notes when you’re craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends, and it pairs wonderfully with a glass of wine for an extra touch of indulgence.

Easy to Make

With a handful of simple ingredients and just one pan, this recipe comes together in no time. It’s a stress-free, flavor-packed meal you can whip up on busy nights or serve for a crowd.

Customizable

You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to make this dish your own! Whether you prefer more heat, extra garlic, or extra veggies, you can easily tweak it to fit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! You’re only a few steps away from a creamy, cheesy pasta dream.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the rigatoni in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the beef. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

Add the cooked pasta and beef to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, garlicky masterpiece!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories per serving: 620
Total Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 40%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Side Dish Pairings:

• Garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce
• Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta
• Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, for a healthy side
• Grilled chicken or shrimp if you’d like to add extra protein to the meal

Toppings:

• Fresh grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of crumbled feta
• A few cracks of black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra spice
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, herby note

Additional Tips

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken

To make this dish a little leaner, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. It will still be delicious and creamy!

Make it Spicy

Add a little extra heat by mixing in some chopped jalapeños or a bit of sriracha to the garlic butter sauce. It’ll bring a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Add Veggies

If you want to sneak in some veggies, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed zucchini into the dish. They’ll soak up the rich sauce and add texture and flavor.

Make Ahead

While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the beef and garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, and simply reheat when you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a different shape, you can use penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine in place of the rigatoni. The creamy sauce will coat any pasta perfectly!

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A2: You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance, but for the best texture, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh right before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different type of meat?

A3: Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Each option will bring its own delicious flavor to the dish.

Q4: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A4: Yes! Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep it creamy.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?

A6: While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the assembled dish for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven or heat on the stovetop.

Q7: How can I make this spicier?

A7: Add some cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a jalapeño for a spicy kick that balances the creaminess of the dish.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to the dish?

A8: Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.

Q9: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

A9: Yes, you can use half-and-half if you want a lighter version of the sauce. It will still be creamy but not as rich as using heavy cream.

Q10: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

A10: If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or any hard, aged cheese as a substitute for a similar salty, nutty flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the ultimate comfort food! With rich, cheesy sauce, savory beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying—what more could you ask for? Try it out and treat yourself to a bowl of cheesy goodness tonight!

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