Garlic Parmesan Beef Rigatoni (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ For the beef

01 - 450 g ground beef
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Black pepper, to taste

→ For the sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 360 ml heavy cream
10 - 75 g grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Black pepper, to taste

→ For the pasta

15 - 300 g rigatoni pasta
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 2 minutes until aromatic. Season with salt and black pepper. Transfer beef to a bowl and keep warm.
04 - In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until sauce thickens. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Add drained rigatoni and cooked beef back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat pasta and distribute evenly. Stir in chopped parsley.
06 - Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine for enhanced depth of flavor before adding cream.
02 - Ground turkey or chicken may be substituted for a lighter alternative.
03 - Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutritional value.