Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

Creating a comforting meal with rich flavors and creamy textures can transform an ordinary weeknight into something special. The joy of making a dish like creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni lies in the way the ingredients come together to create magic. Rigatoni pasta, with its ridged surface, holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.

Cooking has always been a favorite pastime, particularly when the end result brings family and friends together. The combination of creamy sauce and tender ground beef makes this dish a family favorite. Whether shared over a cozy dinner or served at a gathering, creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni evokes a sense of warmth and joy. Plus, it marries the convenience of a quick recipe with the satisfaction of a comforting meal.

Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, savory delight that can elevate dinner and create memorable moments around the table.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

Fundamentals

To master creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni, understanding the key fundamentals of this dish is essential. The heart of this recipe revolves around a delightful blend of ground beef and a luscious cream sauce. The combination of flavors creates a rich and satisfying experience.

Rigatoni plays a crucial role, too. Its unique shape captures the sauce, ensuring you enjoy every last drop. This dish can easily become a go-to for busy weeknights thanks to its simple preparation, yet it impresses with its flavor.

Preparation/setup

For successful creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni, preparation is key. Start by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of rigatoni pasta, 1 pound of ground beef (80/20), 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget a medium onion, 3 garlic cloves, and some olive oil. Tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and salt and black pepper will enhance the flavor.

Before cooking, ensure your workspace is tidy. Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time. This way, you’ll keep the cooking process smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on creating a cohesive dish without interruptions.

Ingredients

The ingredients list might seem short, but each item plays a vital role in building the robust flavor profile of creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni.

• Rigatoni Pasta (1 lb): Choose quality pasta for the best texture.
• Ground Beef (80/20) (1 lb): The fat content ensures a flavorful, juicy outcome.
• Heavy Cream (2 cups): Provides that luxurious creaminess.
• Beef Broth (1 cup): Adds an extra layer of flavor and depth.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): A rich cheese that melts into the sauce beautifully.
• Diced Onion (1 medium): Brings sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Minced Garlic (3 cloves): Enhances the overall aroma and flavor.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing and bringing it all together.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Adds richness and a slight acidity.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A classic blend that complements the beef perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): A hint of heat to elevate the flavors.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish and a burst of freshness.

Directions

Now that you’re prepped, it’s time to bring this creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni to life.

1. Begin by cooking the rigatoni in a pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until the pasta reaches al dente. This process usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

2. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the rigatoni. This starchy water will help achieve the desired consistency of the sauce later.

3. In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it warms up, sauté the diced onion. Cook until soft and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with a beautiful aroma and flavor.

5. Now it’s time to brown the ground beef. Add it to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

6. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture cook for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.

7. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

8. Gradually incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Stir until melted and creamy. For an even richer sauce, you can add some mozzarella cheese at this point.

9. Finally, toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

10. Serve the creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Techniques

Technique

Mastering the techniques for creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni is the key to its success. Start with perfecting your pasta cooking technique. Al dente makes a difference in both texture and how the pasta holds up when combined with the sauce.

When sautéing onions and garlic, keep the heat moderate. Too high of a temperature can burn the garlic, leading to bitterness. Make sure to keep stirring to avoid any sticking or burning.

Tips and Tricks

To enhance your creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni, consider these tips:

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh ingredients will elevate the dish’s overall flavor.
• Embrace the simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning based on your personal preference.

If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top of each serving.

Perfecting Results with Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

Perfecting results

After mastering the basic recipe, explore ways to enhance the flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning, incorporate additional spices, or even add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a nutritious boost. These additions can add complexity and depth to the dish.

Proper timing is crucial. Ensure each step flows seamlessly into the next, from boiling the pasta to ensuring the sauce simmers just right before adding the cheese.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add more reserved pasta water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce it to the desired consistency. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients!

If you like to spice it up, consider adding more red pepper flakes to amplify the heat.

Serving and Storing Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

Serving/presentation

When it comes to serving creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni, presentation matters. Serve it in a wide bowl to showcase the creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top can add elegance.

Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread, completing your meal with delicious sides.

Pairings/storage

While creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni shines on its own, you can pair it with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of beef broth or another touch of cream to refresh the sauce and maintain its delicious consistency.

Closing thoughts on creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni highlight its potential. This dish embodies comfort and warmth, perfect for gatherings or shared dinners with family. Embrace the joy of home cooking with this creamy delight that binds everyone around the table.

This recipe represents the essence of satisfying meals made with love and care. Enjoy creating new memories while savoring each bite of creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni!

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting dish featuring rigatoni pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce with ground beef, perfect for weeknight dinners with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Rigatoni Pasta
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 medium Diced Onion
• 3 Minced Garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Fresh Parsley or Basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully cooked, then drain excess grease.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; let cook for a few minutes.
6. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer to thicken slightly.
7. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

Use quality ingredients for the best flavor. Simmer the sauce to meld flavors and adjust seasoning to taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: beef rigatoni, creamy pasta, comfort food, family dinner