Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni

Name: Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces rigatoni (or preferred pasta); 1 lb ground beef; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 2 ½ cups beef broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Published: June 15, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of beef, garlic, and cream creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates every bite.
Quick Preparation: This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving at gatherings or cozy family meals, it suits various occasions effortlessly.
Comfort Food Classic: Rich and satisfying, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables or substitute proteins to suit your personal taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare your meal quickly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Cooking spoon
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta evenly without overcrowding.
Skillet: Perfect for cooking the beef and creating the sauce with all its flavors.
Cooking spoon: Useful for mixing ingredients and ensuring everything cooks uniformly.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

For this delicious Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta

8 ounces rigatoni (or your preferred pasta)

For the Beef & Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 ½ cups beef broth (adjusted for enough liquid)
1 ½ cups heavy cream (adjusted for creaminess)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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How to Make Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
Add a pinch of salt and the rigatoni.
Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in dried Italian seasoning and let cook for another minute.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring continuously.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce.
Mix well to ensure pasta is coated evenly.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your creamy beef and garlic butter rigatoni!

This recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite! Don’t forget to check back for more delicious recipes like this one!

How to Serve Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni

Serving your Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni can elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable. Consider these suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

A crisp garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta. Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette.

Add Garlic Bread

Serve with warm garlic bread for a classic pairing. The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the creaminess of the rigatoni beautifully.

Top with Fresh Herbs

Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or basil. This will add color and a burst of flavor that brightens each bite.

Sprinkle Extra Cheese

For cheese lovers, adding extra grated Parmesan on top can intensify the flavor profile. It also creates a delightful cheesy crust when baked briefly.

How to Perfect Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh ground beef and high-quality heavy cream for a richer taste.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that your rigatoni is cooked al dente for perfect texture. It should have a slight bite to it.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce as you cook. Adjust seasoning gradually to find the perfect balance of flavors.
Incorporate Vegetables: Add spinach or mushrooms to your sauce for added nutrition and flavor. They blend well with the creamy base.
Stir in Broth Gradually: When adding beef broth, do so gradually to control the consistency of your sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni

Enhance your meal by pairing it with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

Steamed Broccoli
A light vegetable that provides crunch and a pop of color to your plate. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for flavor.
Roasted Asparagus
Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness. Simply toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
Caesar Salad
A classic choice, this salad adds crunch and tanginess from the dressing. You can use kale instead of romaine for a twist.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair perfectly with beef dishes. They’re comforting and filling alongside your rigatoni.
Sautéed Green Beans
Quick sautéing green beans in olive oil adds a vibrant touch while keeping them crisp-tender.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes for an excellent appetizer before diving into your main dish.
Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls (use dairy-free if preferred), and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing starter or side.
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and zest that complements the creamy richness of the rigatoni well.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when making Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Rigatoni. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

Ignoring the pasta cooking time: Always refer to the package instructions for cooking time. Undercooking or overcooking your rigatoni can affect the final dish’s texture.
Not seasoning the beef properly: Be sure to season your ground beef with salt and pepper as it cooks. This step enhances flavor and makes your dish more delicious.
Using cold beef broth: For a smoother sauce, warm your beef broth before adding it to the pan. Cold broth can lower the temperature and affect sauce consistency.
Overlooking cream adjustments: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on desired richness. Too little can make the sauce thin, while too much may overwhelm other flavors.
Skipping the cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth to your dish. Don’t forget to include this ingredient for a richer, creamier flavor profile.
Not letting the flavors meld: Allow your sauce to simmer for a few minutes after combining ingredients. This step helps all flavors come together beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni

Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of beef broth or water and stir until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni is great for holding sauce, feel free to use any short pasta like penne or fusilli.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef for an extra kick that complements the creamy sauce well.

Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or lamb can be used as alternatives that will still work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version that’s just as tasty.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Rigatoni is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various proteins or vegetables based on your preference. Try it today and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!

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