Effortless Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy parmesan beef rigatoni pasta that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Robust beef mingles with al dente pasta, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that melts seamlessly into every bite.

Hearty ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender meat.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable moment of this incredible dish.

Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta Memorable Qualities

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this delightful beef pasta dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses family and guests with its rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly seared beef.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping beef for chicken or adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to create your personalized version of this versatile meal.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using just one skillet means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for those who want delicious food without a mountain of dishes afterward.

Ingredients to Gather for Parmesan Beef Pasta

• Beef: A tender and flavorful protein that becomes the star of this creamy pasta dish.

• Rigatoni: A robust pasta shape with ridges that helps capture the rich, creamy sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients provide a foundational flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Beef Broth: A liquid that adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty flavor that complements the beef.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional Mediterranean taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef and providing a subtle, fruity undertone.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh element and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Preparing Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil.

Drop rigatoni pasta into the bubbling water and cook until perfectly tender but still slightly firm (al dente).

Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Beef

Season beef pieces generously with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place beef into the hot pan and sear each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms (approximately 5-6 minutes).

Transfer browned beef to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and release a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Pour beef broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits from the pan bottom.

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Allow sauce to simmer and gradually thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return seared beef to the skillet.

Add cooked rigatoni and gently toss until pasta and meat are completely coated with the luxurious sauce.

Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Final Touch And Serving

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Silky Sauce and Tender Pasta

• Choose rigatoni with ridges to help the creamy sauce cling better, creating a more flavorful bite every time.
• Pat beef dry before searing to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the dish's depth and give it a subtle kick.
• This dish reheats wonderfully – store in an airtight container and gently warm on the stovetop to maintain sauce quality.

Suggestions for Unique Rigatoni Pasta Mix-Ins

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace rigatoni with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the creamy sauce and protein intact.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with plant-based protein like mushrooms or tofu, maintaining the rich Parmesan cream sauce and overall flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or rice flour, ensuring the recipe remains accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Beef Pasta with Flair

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Gather everyone around the table for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Elegant Date Night Centerpiece: Impress your partner with this restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers for a delicious lunch that'll make coworkers jealous of your culinary skills.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Elevate your classic pasta night with this rich, creamy beef dish that brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen.

Keeping Creamy Parmesan Beef Pasta Fresh for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What cuts of beef work best for this recipe?

Chuck roast, sirloin, or beef stew meat are ideal because they become tender when slow-cooked and absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this dish is mild and creamy with classic Italian seasoning flavors. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.

• How can I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Simmer the sauce on low heat and stir frequently. Use full-fat heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring to help maintain a smooth consistency.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan beef rigatoni pasta delivers comfort in every hearty bite, blending rich meaty flavors with silky cheese sauce. Pasta lovers will savor this Italian-inspired classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generous pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook rigatoni until perfectly tender yet firm, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve.
2. Generously season beef chunks with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear meat pieces until a rich golden-brown crust develops, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer browned beef to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, introduce diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing aromatics to soften and release their fragrant essence.
4. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, carefully scraping accumulated browned fragments from the skillet’s surface. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Allow mixture to simmer, reducing and thickening for 5 minutes.
5. Reintroduce seared beef into the creamy sauce. Add cooked rigatoni, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and meld together.
6. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and optional additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a luxurious and comforting meal.

Notes

• Pat beef dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a deep golden-brown crust and maximize flavor development.
• Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, which can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Replace regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or rice flour, ensuring the same delicious experience for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg