Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, and this Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. With its rich and creamy sauce that clings to each piece of tender rigatoni, this recipe brings together the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and zesty cherry tomatoes. It’s a quick yet satisfying meal that the whole family will love, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by cooking the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s beautifully browned, stirring occasionally. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, you can drain it off now.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom in the heat.
- Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to develop those lovely flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, a luxurious coating for your pasta.
- Gently fold in the cooked rigatoni and halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring that every piece is enveloped in that rich sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for an extra pop of nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes basic techniques that are accessible to cooks of all levels. The key steps include:
- Browning Meat: Properly browning the beef enhances the flavor of the dish through the Maillard reaction.
- Sautéing: Sautéing onions and garlic brings out their sweetness and depth, which is essential in building flavor.
- Making a Cream Sauce: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that beautifully coats the pasta.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute rigatoni with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or farfalle.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Sure! You can use ground turkey instead of beef and swap the heavy cream for a light cream or milk for a lighter version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time and combine them just before serving for a quicker meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is bound to become a favorite in your household. With its combination of comforting flavors and creamy texture, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner alone or hosting friends and family, this recipe delivers deliciousness in every bite. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!