Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

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When comfort food calls, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty bowl of rigatoni. This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is rich, flavorful, and absolutely indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause with the first bite, close your eyes, and smile. Think melty cheese swirled through savory beef and sausage, all wrapped in a buttery garlic kiss.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend feast, this pasta recipe is loaded with texture and taste. The garlic butter sauce coats every ridge of the rigatoni, while the Italian sausage brings a subtle spice that’s perfectly mellowed by the gooey cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a cozy dinner for two, this rigatoni recipe will hit the spot every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

It’s an elevated pasta dish that feels special without being complicated. You get the savory satisfaction of two meats combined with a velvety garlic butter sauce that clings to each piece of rigatoni. The cheese pulls everything together with a creamy, indulgent finish. Plus, it’s easy to make in under an hour with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Rigatoni comes in various sizes and textures. For this recipe, use traditional rigatoni with ridges—they hold the sauce beautifully and give each bite a perfect balance of chew and flavor. Avoid smooth or overly large varieties, as they might not soak up the garlic butter sauce as well. If you can find bronze-cut pasta, that’s even better, as it has a rougher surface that grips sauce like a dream.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

This rigatoni dish is the definition of comfort food, and the secret lies in a handful of bold, flavorful ingredients. These components work together to create a symphony of savory, buttery, cheesy goodness that clings to every piece of pasta.

• Rigatoni
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Salted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley

How To Make the Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until fully browned. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set the meat aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the salted butter and add finely minced garlic cloves. Let it simmer gently until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Meat, and Sauce

Return the browned meats to the skillet. Add in the drained rigatoni and stir until everything is coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy hot for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

This dish serves 4 to 6 people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it straight from the pan while it’s hot and melty. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a slice of buttery garlic bread for a balanced meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to keep it luscious.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

The garlic butter theme continues perfectly with warm, toasty garlic bread on the side.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add some crispy greens for balance and a bit of earthy bite.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a fresh brightness to the table.

Sauteed Spinach

A quick garlic sauté makes it a healthy, flavorful companion.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Use it to soak up every bit of that buttery sauce left in your bowl.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with the richness of this pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce, check out these other irresistible pasta creations:

• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a must if you’re after bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti layers on hearty comfort with plenty of gooey goodness.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine delivers heat and cream in perfect harmony.
• [Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli](https://lifewithzoe.com/cream…
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti offers rich, velvety satisfaction in every forkful.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always within reach when cravings hit.

I’d love to hear how your rigatoni turned out. Did you tweak the cheeses? Add crushed red pepper for a little kick? Let me know in the comments – your kitchen creativity inspires us all.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and weeknight wonders on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next dinnertime favorite!

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is everything a comfort dish should be: rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. With easy-to-find ingredients and a foolproof method, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. Perfect for weeknight indulgence or impressing guests, this pasta checks every box.

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