There’s something undeniably satisfying about the union of hearty beef and pasta wrapped in a creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce. This dish is the epitome of comfort food with its velvety textures and bold, savory flavors that linger on the palate. Perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or an indulgent weekend dinner, this rigatoni recipe turns an ordinary evening into something special.

The rigatoni tubes act as little vessels, catching all that luscious garlic-infused sauce while the chunks of seared beef add a juicy, robust dimension to every bite. Finished with a touch of cracked black pepper and fresh herbs, this dish is both elegant and homey—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require a gourmet skillset.
Ingredients for this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-size chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the seared beef to the skillet, followed by the cooked rigatoni. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a generous grind of black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce while it simmers.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast or flank steak can work well. Just ensure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked until tender.
Can I substitute the cream?
Heavy cream creates the richest texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully. For greens, roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach works nicely.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Cook pasta just before serving and reheat the sauce gently before combining.

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Get ready to fall in love with this creamy cheesy garlic butter rigatoni! It’s the kind of dinner that wraps you in a warm hug. Packed with juicy beef chunks and drenched in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce, this easy dinner recipe is pure indulgence. Perfect for when you’re craving comfort food that feels like a restaurant treat but is effortless to make at home.
Whether you need new dinner ideas or just love pasta food ideas, this hearty bowl checks every box. Think cozy, rich, and flavor-packed—a quick dinner that tastes like a weekend feast. The aroma alone will pull everyone to the table. Add it to your list of must-try easy recipes tonight!
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, bite-size
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni to al dente, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high. Sear beef until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Season and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream and broth. Simmer, then stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.
- Return beef and rigatoni to the pan. Toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and freshly cracked pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner