Irresistible Tender Garlic Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand bold, satisfying meals that deliver comfort in every bite.

This succulent garlic parmesan beef with rigatoni combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients for a memorable dining experience.

Juicy beef melts into a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta ridges.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty complexity that elevates each forkful.

The robust blend of garlic and herbs creates layers of depth and warmth.

Marrying simple ingredients with classic techniques ensures a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home.

One forkful of this luscious pasta promises to become your new dinner favorite.

Serve This Pasta Hot with Extra Cheese

• Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Gather everyone around the table and make this creamy, cheesy pasta dish the star of your evening meal. Perfect for satisfying hungry appetites with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Elevate the presentation by using a large white platter, strategically arranging the rigatoni and beef. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for a professional chef-inspired look that impresses guests.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the robust beef and creamy sauce with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine's acidity will cut through the richness and enhance the overall dining experience, making every bite more enjoyable.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Repurpose any remaining pasta by reheating gently with a splash of cream or pasta water. Pack in a container for a delicious next-day lunch that tastes just as amazing as the first serving.

Store for Next-Day Meals with Full Flavor

• Let the dish cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and beef separate from sauce to prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave with a splash of pasta water or cream, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and restore creamy consistency.
• Freeze sauce and beef separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this Garlic Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni is not spicy. The recipe uses Italian seasoning, which provides flavor without heat. If you want a kick, you can add red pepper flakes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and absorb the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce just as well.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all. This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking skills like boiling pasta, browning meat, and making a simple cream sauce. Anyone with minimal kitchen experience can successfully prepare this dish.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

To boost nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the beef cooking stage. These will increase the vitamin and fiber content of the meal without changing the core flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Starts Here

• Rigatoni Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that cradles creamy sauce perfectly, choose bronze-cut for superior texture and sauce absorption.
• Ground Beef: Rich protein with excellent flavor, select 80/20 lean to fat ratio for optimal juiciness and taste.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential flavor enhancers that elevate the entire dish's depth and complexity.

• Butter: Creates silky base for sauce, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious richness, select high-quality cream for smoothest texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty complexity, freshly grated delivers most intense flavor profile.

• Garlic: Foundational flavor bomb, choose fresh cloves for most potent and vibrant taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and subtle herbal notes, chop just before serving to maintain maximum flavor intensity.

Tools to Cook Garlic Parmesan Beef and Rigatoni Smoothly

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling rigatoni pasta with plenty of water.
• Colander: Perfect for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large Skillet: Versatile pan for cooking beef and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding seasonings and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the sauce.
• Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.

Make Garlic Parmesan Beef and Rigatoni at Home

• Boil the Pasta

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and keep a splash of pasta water for later.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until beautifully cooked.

• Create Creamy Garlic Sauce

Melt butter and dance minced garlic around the pan until wonderfully fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until silky smooth, adding pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

• Marry the Flavors

Toss cooked pasta and beef into the luxurious sauce, coating every single noodle with creamy goodness. Stir gently to blend all the delicious elements together.

• Plate and Finish

Dish out this mouthwatering meal onto warm plates. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Tips That Balance Garlic, Cheese, and Beef Flavors

• Ensure rigatoni is cooked al dente for the best texture, avoiding mushy pasta.
• If sauce breaks or separates, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to restore creamy consistency.
• Replace rigatoni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different flavor profiles.
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free option that still delivers rich, creamy flavor.

Tender Garlic Parmesan Beef With Rigatoni Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan beef with rigatoni brings Italian comfort to dinner tables. Hearty pasta combines with rich, savory meat and cheese for a satisfying meal passionate cooks love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 300 g (10 oz) rigatoni pasta
• ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse rigatoni in heavily salted water, cooking until al dente. Reserve a cup of starchy liquid, then drain pasta thoroughly.
2. Beef Sautéing: In a large skillet, aggressively brown ground beef over high heat, breaking meat into delicate crumbles. Drain excess fat, then season generously with herbs, salt, and cracked pepper.
3. Sauce Creation: Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, avoiding browning. Pour heavy cream, allowing the liquid to reduce and intensify, creating a luxurious base for the sauce.
4. Cheese Integration: Whisk Parmesan into the cream, ensuring complete dissolution. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually incorporating reserved pasta water, achieving a silky, velvety texture.
5. Culinary Fusion: Combine beef, rigatoni, and creamy sauce in the skillet. Gently fold ingredients to ensure perfect coating and harmonious flavor distribution.
6. Presentation: Plate the dish, garnishing with delicate parsley sprigs to add a fresh, vibrant accent to the rich, creamy composition.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Salt water generously and monitor cooking time closely to maintain al dente texture, ensuring rigatoni remains firm yet tender.
• Control Meat Moisture: Thoroughly drain excess beef fat after searing to prevent greasy sauce and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Manage Garlic Intensity: Sauté minced garlic gently to release aromatics without burning, which can create bitter undertones in the sauce.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water strategically to adjust sauce thickness, creating a smooth, clingy coating that perfectly embraces the rigatoni and beef.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 767
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 26 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg