35-Minute Rigatoni with Meat Sauce – Creamy Comfort Perfection
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Rich rigatoni pasta smothered in savory meat sauce — hearty, saucy perfection for the best comfort food dinner.
- Author: Caroline Jones
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown ground beef and sausage (if using), then drain excess grease.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in marinara, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- Toss cooked rigatoni with sauce, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water if needed.
- Top with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Use high-quality Parmesan for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg