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Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni - featured image
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This easy one-pot pasta dinner features rigatoni tossed with savory ground beef, creamy Parmesan sauce, and a touch of cream cheese for extra richness. It’s a comforting, kid-approved meal perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and a pinch of salt; sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and just starting to turn golden.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in rigatoni pasta, ensuring the broth just covers the pasta.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed (12-14 minutes). Add more broth if needed.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined.
  8. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is thick and glossy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For gluten-free, use your favorite GF pasta. Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed for your pasta brand. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth. For a baked version, transfer to a dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until golden.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, beef rigatoni, one pot dinner, Parmesan, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, kid friendly, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-parmesan-beef-rigatoni-recipe-easy-one-pot-weeknight-dinner/