Beef Pasta Creamy Garlic (Print View)

Tender beef, rigatoni, and cheddar united in a creamy garlic sauce for a rich, satisfying dinner.

# Components:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
02 - 1 pound lean beef, diced
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 cup beef broth
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon paprika
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
03 - Add diced beef to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
04 - Sprinkle the beef with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
05 - Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
06 - Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
07 - Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
08 - Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have
  • Comes together in only forty minutes which is perfect after a busy day
  • A creamy dish that feels special but does not need complicated steps
  • Kid friendly and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser
02 -
  • A great choice if you need a filling meal to feed hungry eaters
  • High in protein and calcium from the beef and cheese
03 -
  • Do not skip browning the beef deeply because that is where the flavor develops Use a skillet big enough so the meat does not steam but actually sears
  • It is worth using high quality cream for a truly silky sauce Taste and adjust seasoning before serving as the pasta and cheese can moderate the salt If you want a little more kick a spoonful of Dijon mustard or horseradish stirred in is fantastic