Description

Looking for the ultimate comfort meal that combines flavor, ease, and serious indulgence? This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni hits all the right notes. It’s rich, buttery, loaded with gooey mozzarella, savory ground beef, and finished with a golden, broiled cheesy crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need food that warms your soul. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, a cozy easy recipe, or just family-friendly food ideas, this pasta delivers BIG.

Ingredients

1 lb rigatoni pasta

1 tablespoon salt

1 lb ground beef

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream

0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

0.5 cup extra mozzarella for topping

Olive oil spray or butter for greasing

Instructions

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

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes. Drain if needed and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, garlic butter sauce, cooked beef, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.

6. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread evenly.

7. Top with the remaining mozzarella.

8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.

9. Broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese top.

10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more parsley if desired.

Notes

Slightly undercook your pasta to avoid mushy texture after baking.

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous portion
Calories: 620
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 510mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: cheesy rigatoni, garlic butter pasta, baked pasta, easy dinner, family dinner