Description

This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich, crowd-pleasing pasta bake layered with savory meats, creamy garlic butter sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or making ahead for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

16 oz rigatoni pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp butter

1 ½ cups heavy cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain fat and set aside.

3. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

5. Stir in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and add grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.

6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, garlic butter sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and spinach if using. Mix well.

7. Pour mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with parsley.

8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting.

Don’t overcook the rigatoni; it should be just al dente since it will bake further.

For extra flavor, mix a teaspoon of Italian seasoning into the garlic butter sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Pasta Bake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 large portion
Calories: 710
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 860
Fat: 48
Saturated Fat: 25
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35
Cholesterol: 130

Keywords: Cheesy Rigatoni, Garlic Butter Pasta, Beef and Sausage Bake