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Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

Featured in Cozy Comfort Food Classics.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that bridges the gap between everyday comfort food and special occasion dining. The recipe begins with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, whose ridges and hollow centers are ideal for capturing the luxurious sauce. Tender chunks of beef sirloin are seared to develop a flavorful crust before being gently simmered in a sauce that balances the richness of heavy cream with the savory depth of beef broth. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a velvety texture while adding its distinctive nutty flavor profile. What makes this dish truly special is how it builds flavor in layers - from the seasoned pasta water to the caramelized bits scraped from the pan during deglazing. The final toss brings everything together in perfect harmony, with each bite offering creamy sauce, tender beef, and al dente pasta. Whether served for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish creates a moment of shared enjoyment around the table, proving that sometimes the most memorable meals come from simple, quality ingredients prepared with care.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:47:15 GMT
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Creamy Parmesan beef rigatoni combines tender beef chunks and al dente pasta in a velvety sauce. This 30-minute meal balances elegance and simplicity, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Savory beef, garlic, and nutty Parmesan create layered flavors that transform simple ingredients into a memorable dish.

Created during a hectic week to feed hungry teens, this dish became our most-requested meal. My phone-glued son paused to ask, 'How is this so good?'—proof it fosters family connection through food.

Key Ingredients

  • Rigatoni: Ridged tubes hold sauce perfectly
  • Beef sirloin: Tender, flavorful, and budget-friendly
  • Fresh Parmesan: Essential for sauce depth
  • Heavy cream: Creates luxurious texture
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Rich & Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Cooking Process

Pasta Prep
Boil rigatoni in salted water. Reserve ½ cup starchy water before draining.
Beef Searing
Pat dry, season, and sear sirloin in batches. Rest tented with foil.
Sauce Development
Sauté onions/garlic in beef drippings. Deglaze with broth, add cream/Parmesan, simmer to thicken.
Final Combine
Toss pasta, beef, and sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved water.

My Italian grandmother requested seconds despite her disdain for quick sauces. Her nod of approval—'Not bad for fast food'—remains my proudest culinary moment.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with lemon-dressed arugula salad. Offer crusty bread for sauce mopping. Serve with Sangiovese wine for depth.

Recipe Variations

Use chicken thighs or mushrooms for protein swaps. Add spinach or roasted tomatoes. Finish with basil in summer.

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Savory Parmesan Beef Rigatoni | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers 3 days. Reheat with broth/cream to restore texture. Avoid freezing—sauce separates.

This dish became our comfort anchor during chaotic times. The clinking forks and silent focus around the table remind me that connection thrives through simple, satisfying meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Sirloin steak is ideal for this recipe as it's tender yet flavorful and cooks quickly. You could also use ribeye for a more indulgent option or beef stew meat if you're willing to simmer it longer (about 45-60 minutes) until tender. Chuck roast cut into small pieces works well for a more budget-friendly option, but will also require the longer cooking time.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente, and make the sauce with the beef as directed. Store the pasta and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if needed to loosen it. Add the pasta and heat through until everything is hot and well combined.
→ Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option. For an even lighter version, try using evaporated milk or a combination of milk and cream cheese (2 oz cream cheese melted into 3/4 cup whole milk). These alternatives will create a somewhat less decadent sauce but will still be delicious.
→ What vegetables would pair well if I want to add some to this dish?
This versatile dish works beautifully with several vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms complement the beef wonderfully; add them after cooking the onions. Baby spinach can be stirred in just before serving until wilted. Roasted cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or sautéed bell peppers would also make excellent additions. For a complete one-pot meal, add your chosen vegetables when appropriate to their cooking time.
→ How can I ensure my sauce doesn't break or become grainy?
To prevent your sauce from breaking, keep these tips in mind: Reduce the heat to low before adding the cream, avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added, and remove the pan from heat before stirring in the Parmesan. Add the cheese gradually while stirring constantly. Using freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-packaged) also helps create a smooth sauce since it doesn't contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
→ What can I serve with this pasta dish to complete the meal?
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccolini, or green beans also complement the dish nicely. For wine pairing, try a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni features tender beef and al dente pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce that's both comforting and elegant for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Comfort Food

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 generous servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 12 oz rigatoni pasta
02 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 Salt and pepper, to taste
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 1 small onion, diced
06 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ For the Sauce

07 1 cup beef broth
08 1 cup heavy cream
09 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

→ For Garnish

11 Fresh parsley, chopped
12 Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 02

Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 04

Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 05

Return the seared beef to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 06

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Offer additional grated Parmesan at the table for those who enjoy extra cheese.

Notes

  1. For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated varieties.
  2. The dish can be customized by adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  3. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and often taste even better the next day.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)
  • Contains beef

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 642
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Protein: 35 g