Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

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If your comfort food dreams were a bowl of pasta, this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef would be it. Velvety sauce clings to every curve of the rigatoni, delivering bold garlic notes and a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth blend of cheeses in every bite. Add to that the depth of seasoned ground beef, and you’ve got a dinner that feels indulgent without being fussy.

This dish is one of those that hits the table and disappears in minutes. It’s rich, satisfying, and layered with flavor, making it a weeknight hero or a dinner party favorite. With simple ingredients and bold results, it turns your average pasta night into something a little more special.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

The combination of textures and tastes in this pasta is unbeatable. You get the creaminess from cheese and butter, a subtle kick from garlic, and that hearty feel-good flavor from well-seasoned beef. It cooks up in under an hour and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The sauce is indulgent without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both adults and kids.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Rigatoni is ideal for this type of rich, creamy sauce because its ridges hold on to every drop. You can go with regular semolina rigatoni or opt for a bronze-cut version for even more texture. If you’re gluten-free, there are fantastic GF rigatoni options out there that pair just as well with this buttery, cheesy sauce. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds up under the creamy sauce without getting mushy.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

When it comes to creating that unforgettable creamy cheesy garlic butter flavor, each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role. This recipe brings together pantry staples and fridge favorites to make something truly comforting and impressive.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Ground beef
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Each of these ingredients works together to give you the creamy richness and full-bodied flavor you expect. The rigatoni offers structure and bite, the beef gives it heartiness, and the blend of cheeses makes the sauce luscious and smooth. Garlic and butter are non-negotiables for building that savory base, while herbs and seasoning balance the richness.

How To Make the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth base. Mix in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, continuing to stir until everything is melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the beef to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni and gently fold everything together. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon into bowls and top with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

This dish serves about 4 to 6 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. To serve, ladle the rigatoni into shallow bowls so that each serving gets a good balance of beef, sauce, and pasta. Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan or chopped parsley for a little brightness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture. You can even freeze it for up to a month, though the texture of the sauce may slightly change.

What to Serve With Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate carb-on-carb pairing. Crisp, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that rich sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing can cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted until slightly charred, broccoli adds a nutty contrast and a healthy sidekick to this indulgent dish.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick and easy, spinach balances the heartiness of the rigatoni with a pop of color and light flavor.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Their sweet and tangy profile complements the savory creaminess of the main dish.

Bruschetta

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasty bread are a refreshing contrast to the cheesy rigatoni.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water

Either can enhance the meal. Go for a medium-bodied red wine or something sparkling and citrusy to keep your palate refreshed.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of cheesy pasta dishes, here are a few more you’ll want to add to your weeknight rotation:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Mexican twist on your usual pasta bowl.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you like your comfort food with a spicy kick.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli brings all the cozy vibes in one dish.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine when you want something zesty and creamy.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti for a crowd-pleasing classic.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap in turkey? Did your kids love it?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. If you have any questions or want to share a tip, don’t hesitate to drop a comment.

Explore even more health-boosting comfort meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next craveable dinner inspiration.

Conclusion

This creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni with savory beef is comfort food at its best. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a cold winter night or just a craving for something hearty, this pasta delivers every single time. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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