Creamy Beefy Rigatoni (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

If you need a rich, comforting pasta that tastes like you stood over the stove all day — but comes together in under 30 minutes — this Beefy Rigatoni is your new weeknight hero.

It’s creamy, garlicky, full of flavor, and wildly easy to customize. This is the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell like a hug.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1.5 cups rigatoni pasta

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup tomato paste

• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 1 tbsp salt & pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• Freshly grated Parmesan (to taste)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make It

1. Cook the Rigatoni

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

2. Build the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then add the diced onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant.

Stir in ½ cup of tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.

3. Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef into the skillet and season with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is fully browned.

4. Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Add a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked rigatoni into the sauce and toss gently until every piece is coated.

6. Finish + Serve

Top with more Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamiest, coziest bowl of pasta ever.

Tips & Substitutions

• Swap beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.

• Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes for veggies.

• Use penne, bowties, or shells if you don’t have rigatoni.

Looking for More Comfort Food?

Check out my other cozy pasta and dinner recipes on this blog.