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A bowl of creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs, served on a rustic wooden table.

Decadent Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni: A Romantic Culinary Escape

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Decadent Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni is the ultimate romantic dinner recipe that combines tender beef, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. Ideal for impressing loved ones or enjoying a cozy, luxurious meal, this dish offers a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and comforting textures, making every bite a culinary escape into elegance and flavor.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (approx. 450g) rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound (approx. 450g) ground beef or sirloin, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce, and cook for another minute to meld flavors.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
  • Adjust the amount of cream and cheese to control the richness of the sauce.
  • If the sauce thickens, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • For extra depth of flavor, stir in a splash of white wine during beef sautéing.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: GLUTEN_FREE_OPTION

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 650 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg