When it comes to comforting pasta dishes, nothing beats the luscious combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni recipe, crafted by Clare Greco, brings Italian-American flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or simply craving a decadent weeknight meal, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable. With its rich, velvety sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Let’s uncover the magic behind this irresistible dish!
PrintCreamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni
Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is here to satisfy all your pasta cravings! 🍝✨ Juicy, flavorful beef meets a dreamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce, hugging every rigatoni noodle for the ultimate bite. 🧀🌿 Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing your guests with a hearty, delicious meal. Who’s ready to dig in? 😋🍽️ #BeefRigatoniLove #PastaPerfection #CheesyDreams #SavoryAndCreamy #ComfortInABowl #RigatoniMagic #HomemadeWithLove #DinnerInStyle #FlavorfulBites #ParmesanParadise 🍝🧀
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Rigatoni Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set the pasta aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
2. Sear the Beef
- Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
5. Combine the Ingredients
- Return the seared beef to the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and beef are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring all flavors are evenly distributed.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve the Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni hot and enjoy every bite of its creamy, savory goodness.
Notes
- Beef Options: While beef sirloin or stew meat works best, you can also use ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese: For a sharper flavor, swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano.
- Cream Substitute: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Onions and Garlic: Shallots can be a sweeter alternative to onions, while roasted garlic offers a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and FlavorFor the Rigatoni Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions1. Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set the pasta aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
2. Sear the Beef
- Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
5. Combine the Ingredients
- Return the seared beef to the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and beef are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring all flavors are evenly distributed.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve the Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni hot and enjoy every bite of its creamy, savory goodness.
A Symphony of Flavors and TexturesThe true magic of this dish lies in its harmonious combination of textures and flavors. The tender beef, seared to golden perfection, pairs beautifully with the chewy al dente rigatoni. The creamy Parmesan sauce envelopes each ingredient, delivering rich umami flavors with hints of garlic and Italian herbs. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of brightness, rounding out this hearty, indulgent meal.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions
- Beef Options: While beef sirloin or stew meat works best, you can also use ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese: For a sharper flavor, swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano.
- Cream Substitute: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Onions and Garlic: Shallots can be a sweeter alternative to onions, while roasted garlic offers a deeper flavor.
Creative Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ons: Incorporate mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to elevate the heat.
- Herbaceous Touch: Toss in fresh basil or thyme for a herb-forward profile.
- Wine Infusion: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the beef broth for extra depth.
Serving SuggestionsThis dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with these sides:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Crisp Salad: A fresh Caesar or mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus complements the richness of the pasta.
Notes on Preparation
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Allow the beef to rest for a minute after searing to retain its juiciness.
Why You’ll Love
This RecipeIn just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The simplicity of the preparation, combined with the luxurious flavors of the creamy Parmesan sauce, makes this recipe a standout. Whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday dinner, Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni will deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite.Make this dish tonight, and indulge in the ultimate fusion of creaminess and hearty goodness!