Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta
A comforting dish combining rigatoni pasta with a rich creamy Parmesan cheese sauce and savory beef, perfect for quick family dinners or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (ground or diced) Choose ground or diced beef based on preference.
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta Use any pasta shape if desired.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) Adjust quantity for desired garlic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the garlic and beef.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning to personal preference.
- to taste Fresh parsley (for garnish) Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart if using ground beef, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer, stirring occasionally. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and mixed into the sauce.
- Incorporate the drained rigatoni into the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Adjust thickness by adding more cream if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer before adding pasta. Substitute heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter dish. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.