Description
This Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender beef, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dinner option for weeknights or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni pasta: 12 oz, for the pasta base
- Beef sirloin or stew meat: 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper: to taste, for seasoning the beef
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for searing the beef
- Diced onion: 1 small, for aromatic flavor
- Minced garlic: 3 cloves, for added depth
- Beef broth: 1 cup, for the sauce base
- Heavy cream: 1 cup, for a rich, creamy texture
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, for cheesy flavor
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp, for a hint of herbs
- Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook 12 oz rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Season 1 lb beef pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, sauté 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Pour in 1 cup beef broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the beef to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to combine. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
- Substitutions: Feel free to use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef. Spinach or steamed broccoli make great veggie additions.
- Pro Tip: Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30