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Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce


  • Author: Emily Wilkinson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients You’ll Need

    • 1 pound rigatoni pasta

    • 1 pound ground beef

    • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)

    • 1 large onion, chopped

    • 4 cloves garlic, minced

    • 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

    • 3 cups whole milk

    • 1 cup chicken broth

    • 1 cup heavy cream

    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

    • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

    • Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it according to package instructions until just al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping the pot handy for any sauce adjustments.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the thawed, drained spinach and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.

Step 5: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring often, until it thickens slightly, around 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt fully, and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Add the cooked rigatoni and meat-spinach mixture to the sauce. Toss everything gently, making sure the pasta is fully coated with the luscious sauce and the meat is evenly distributed.

Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like.

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

Nutrition

  • Calories: 750
  • Sodium: 850
  • Protein: 35