Ingredients
Scale
- 400g rigatoni pasta
- 250g lean ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for added spice.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss well to coat each piece of pasta evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve the beef rigatoni hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 620 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 125mg