Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Ground Beef & Cheese
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
12 oz rigatoni pasta
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing beef)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rigatoni:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, following the timing on the package. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and keep it aside.
3. Start the Garlic Butter Base:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until the aroma is released and the garlic is lightly golden.
4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes so it can slightly reduce and thicken.
5. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring gently until everything melts together into a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and combine it with the sauce. Toss in the cooked rigatoni and stir until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the cheesy, garlicky sauce.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan if desired.
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 600 per serving