Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, although the sauce might be slightly less creamy. For a vegetarian version, you could swap out the beef for mushrooms or a plant-based alternative.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
One tip I picked up from my grandmother is to always taste as you go. It’s the best way to ensure the flavors are just right, and it’s a tradition I’ve passed down to my kids as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International