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Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni for a Cozy Comfort Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is a comforting dish that balances rich flavors and quick prep time, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni or penne or fusilli
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey or plant-based options
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or any cooking oil
  • 1 medium Onion can substitute with shallots
  • 3 cloves Garlic or garlic powder as a backup
For the Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning or fresh herbs
  • to taste Crushed Red Pepper Flakes omit for milder flavor
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Beef Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or milk for less creaminess
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese or vegan cheese for dairy-free
For Finishing Touches
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown ground beef for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion to skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then pour in beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling.
  6. Mix in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Combine drained rigatoni with the sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning beef. Adjust flavor to taste with seasoning and cheeses. Store leftovers in airtight containers.

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