Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Introduction

Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. With its rich flavors and creamy sauce, it’s perfect for special occasions or just a cozy weeknight in with family.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it is simple and quick, yet so satisfying! The combination of tender beef, hearty pasta, and creamy sauce makes this dish a favorite for everyone. Plus, your family will love it, and it will surely become a regular in your meal rotation!

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Ingredients:

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season beef pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear beef on all sides until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Return beef to the skillet, add the cooked rigatoni, and toss everything together in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that nice touch. It goes well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

How to Store Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy.

Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta

Make sure not to overcook the rigatoni; it should be al dente to hold up in the sauce.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste – a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
Fresh Parmesan cheese makes a big difference, so try to use that instead of the pre-grated kind.

Variation

You can easily make this dish lighter by using chicken instead of beef or substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream. Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can also enhance the dish!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Any pasta shape you like will work, just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The creamy sauce and pasta are usually a hit with kids.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It’s best to avoid freezing due to the cream, but you can freeze the meat and sauce separately for another meal.