There’s something magical about a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that brings comfort in every bite. This Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni is rich, flavorful, and perfect for an easy yet indulgent dinner. The combination of savory ground beef, silky butter, and garlic-infused cream sauce makes this dish irresistible.
I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but satisfying. I had ground beef, rigatoni, and some cream in my fridge so I decided to throw everything together and create a dish that felt like a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. The moment I tasted it, I knew this one was a keeper. The beef adds a deep, meaty flavor, the garlic butter brings a comforting richness, and the Parmesan ties everything together with a perfect umami kick.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or serving guests, this pasta will always be a hit. Pair it with a fresh salad and some crusty garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels gourmet with minimal effort.
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this recipe is about to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: You don’t need a ton of dishes to make this meal. The beef and sauce cook together in one pan, and the pasta can be prepared in the same pot to cut down on cleanup.
- Rich & Creamy: The combination of butter, garlic, and heavy cream creates an ultra-creamy sauce that clings to every piece of rigatoni.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this pasta! It’s not too spicy, and the flavors are well-balanced for everyone to enjoy.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to fit your preferences try using different meats, cheeses, or adding veggies for a personal touch.
- Better Than Takeout: This dish tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant, but it’s made right at home for a fraction of the cost!
If you love creamy pasta with bold, garlicky flavors, you’re going to be obsessed with this dish. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces rigatoni (or your preferred pasta)
- For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjusted for flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups beef broth (adjusted for enough liquid)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (adjusted for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet or deep pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef in the seasonings. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing everything together so the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni is how adaptable it is. Whether you need a healthier version, want to make it vegetarian, or just feel like experimenting, there are plenty of ways to customize it!
- Make It Lighter: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and a little cream cheese for a lower-fat option. You can also use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, like brown rice or chickpea pasta, to keep it gluten-free while still enjoying the creamy goodness.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the beef or stir in a spoonful of spicy tomato paste for a kick of flavor.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: While Parmesan is classic, you can also try adding shredded mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a bit of sharp cheddar for a deeper, richer taste.
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for an added layer of texture and flavor.
- Meat Swap: If ground beef isn’t your thing, try using crumbled Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp for a fun twist!
The beauty of this dish is that you can make it your own, no matter your dietary preferences or what ingredients you have on hand.
How to Serve
This pasta dish is rich and hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and garnishes can take it to the next level!
- Garlic Bread or Baguette: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini add a fresh and slightly charred contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Pairing: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a homemade iced tea with honey and mint makes a refreshing accompaniment.
- Extra Garnishes: Freshly cracked black pepper, extra Parmesan, or even a drizzle of truffle oil can make this dish feel restaurant-quality.
No matter how you serve it, this pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Recipe Tips
To make sure your Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be grainy and won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan gives a creamier, richer texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Rigatoni should be cooked just until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Since it will continue absorbing sauce, overcooking it can make it mushy.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute to thicken.
- Let the Sauce Rest Before Serving: Letting the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
- Use a Large Skillet: A wide, deep pan gives enough space for tossing the pasta without making a mess.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3-4 days.
With these simple tips, your pasta will turn out restaurant-quality every time!
Cooking Notes
- Don’t skimp on the garlic! Since garlic is a key flavor in this dish, make sure you use fresh minced garlic for the best taste.
- For an extra creamy sauce, let the heavy cream warm up slightly before adding it to the pan to prevent curdling.
- Want more depth of flavor? Brown the butter slightly before adding the garlic it adds a subtle nuttiness that takes this dish up a notch.
- If using sausage instead of ground beef, remove the casings and break it up as it cooks for the best texture.
- Leftovers tip: When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce, as it thickens in the fridge.
- Serving for a crowd? This recipe easily doubles to feed more people just use a large pot to avoid overcrowding.
These small details make all the difference in taking your pasta from good to unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~650 per serving
- Protein: ~32g
- Sodium: ~720mg
(These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices.)
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is the traditional choice for this recipe because of its large, ridged shape, you can substitute it with other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you’re using, as different shapes can vary in cooking time.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! If you’re planning to prepare this dish in advance, you can cook the sauce and store it separately from the pasta. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and toss it with the reheated sauce for the best results. The dish can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, the creamy sauce may thicken a bit after being refrigerated, so adding a splash of broth or milk during reheating will help bring it back to its creamy consistency.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is evenly heated.
4. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish! However, the cream sauce might separate slightly after freezing. To freeze, let the pasta and sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and then gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food rich, indulgent, and packed with bold flavors. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta, savory beef, and a garlicky, buttery cream sauce makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prep for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints.
What makes this pasta so special is its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your taste make it spicier, add more veggies, or switch up the protein. The creamy texture and deep, savory flavors make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment, share your experience, or tag me on social media with your creation. And if you’re a pasta lover, be sure to check out my other delicious recipes for more mouthwatering ideas.
Now, grab a fork and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite this dish is pure comfort on a plate!
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Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces rigatoni (or your preferred pasta)
- For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjusted for flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups beef broth (adjusted for enough liquid)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (adjusted for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet or deep pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef in the seasonings. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing everything together so the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 720
- Protein: 32