Description

Craving an easy dinner idea that delivers creamy, cheesy, garlicky perfection? The *Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni* is your next must-make comfort food dish. With tender rigatoni noodles coated in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re dining in an Italian trattoria—without ever leaving your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekend meals, or make-ahead meal prep, this easy recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. If you’re on the hunt for quick dinner ideas or family-friendly pasta dishes, this one deserves a spot in your go-to rotation.

Ingredients

1 lb rigatoni pasta

1 lb ground beef

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese (extra for topping)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

0.5 cup ricotta cheese (optional)

1 cup baby spinach or chopped basil (optional)

0.5 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant.

4. Reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream and milk. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

6. Return beef and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Fold in ricotta or spinach if using.

7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

8. Top with shredded mozzarella and additional parmesan. Sprinkle with parsley.

9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil the last 2–3 minutes if desired.

10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

Freshly grate your cheese for best melt and flavor.

Don’t overcook the pasta—remember it finishes baking in the oven.

Let the dish rest before serving to help the sauce thicken and flavors settle.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner / Comfort Food
Method: Baked Pasta
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
Calories: 710
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, garlic butter rigatoni, quick pasta recipes, cheesy baked pasta