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Alfredo Rigatoni with Seasoned Ground Beef

A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that combines rigatoni and seasoned ground beef, perfect for any family gathering or cozy night in.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 750
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta Choose whole wheat or regular based on your preference.
Meat
  • 1 pound ground beef Halal-certified; for a lean option, substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream For a rich flavor; can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted version preferred.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Feel free to adjust to your taste.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Or your favorite herbs to enhance the flavor.
Toppings (Optional)
  • Chopped parsley For garnishing.
  • Extra Parmesan For garnishing.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
Preparing the Ground Beef
  1. In a large skillet, heat the two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, approximately 7-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining and Serving
  1. Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce and beef mixture. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
  2. Serve in bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in airtight containers for up to three months. When it's time to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore the original creamy texture.