Few meals deliver the same soul-warming satisfaction as a hearty pasta dish. This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the ultimate comfort food—rich, indulgent, and deeply flavorful. Tender rigatoni pasta is enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enhanced with layers of melted cheese, and paired with perfectly seasoned ground beef. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or craving a weeknight indulgence, this dish guarantees smiles around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Comfort food at its finest – creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
- Easy yet impressive – restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
- Versatile – works for weeknights, gatherings, or even meal prep.
- Customizable – adapt the cheese, meat, or pasta shape to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to create this irresistible dish.
For the Pasta
- Rigatoni (12 oz / 340 g) – perfect for holding sauce in every bite.
- Salted pasta water – essential for flavoring the noodles.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Butter (4 tbsp) – unsalted, for full control of flavor.
- Garlic (6 cloves, finely minced) – the heart of this dish.
- Heavy cream (2 cups / 480 ml) – creates a velvety base.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated) – for sharp, nutty richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded) – melts into creamy strands.
- Gruyère or Fontina (½ cup, optional) – for extra depth and smooth melting.
- Salt & black pepper (to taste) – seasoning balance.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – a bright finishing touch.
For the Savory Beef
- Ground beef (1 lb / 450 g, 85% lean) – rich and flavorful.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – to sear the beef.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped) – sweetness and aroma.
- Paprika (1 tsp) – subtle smokiness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – a gentle kick of heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add rigatoni and cook until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Prepare the Savory Beef
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook until browned and slightly crispy edges form. Set aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Gruyère until smooth.
- Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add cooked rigatoni and savory beef to the sauce.
- Toss until pasta is fully coated in cheesy garlic butter.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve hot, straight from the pan, with warm bread on the side.
Expert Cooking Tips & Substitutions
- Prevent clumping cheese: Remove sauce from direct heat before adding cheese.
- Healthier swaps: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or ground turkey instead of beef.
- Make it a pasta bake: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
- Enhance flavor: Deglaze beef pan with a splash of red wine for richness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled pasta in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Rigatoni
- Sides: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Wine pairings: Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, or a smooth Merlot.
- Non-alcoholic option: Sparkling water with lemon to balance richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
(Values vary depending on substitutions and portion size.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without beef?
Yes—swap beef for chicken, turkey, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle also hold the sauce beautifully.
How do I make it less rich?
Use half cream and half milk, or reduce the cheese slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It balances indulgence with comfort, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-level dish. Whether served on a busy weeknight or as the star of a dinner party, this pasta guarantees to become a new family favorite.
👉 Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
