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Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

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Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender beef, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night at home. The combination of savory beef and creamy cheese sauce is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta:

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or minced beef)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook Rigatoni: Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Prepare the Beef:

  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
  2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
  2. Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.
  3. Add Heavy Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

  1. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Serve:

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
  2. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, hearty pasta dish!

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