Description
This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with rich ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, tender pasta, and smothered in a buttery garlic sauce with melted cheese throughout. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add cooked rigatoni and toss until evenly coated. Stir in mozzarella cheese and allow it to melt into the pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your preference.
- Try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish can be baked with extra cheese on top for a bubbly finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: rigatoni pasta, cheesy beef pasta, Italian sausage recipe, garlic butter pasta, comfort food