Description
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the ultimate weeknight comfort pasta. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with bold garlic, melty cheese, and hearty beef all baked into tender rigatoni.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Stir and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Lower the heat. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in half the mozzarella and parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Mix in the cooked rigatoni, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta well.
7. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese to ensure a smooth melt and prevent clumping.
Be sure not to overcook the pasta—al dente holds up best during baking.
This dish can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: garlic butter rigatoni, beef pasta bake, cheesy rigatoni