This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a cozy hug after a long day. Picture tender rigatoni noodles cloaked in a silky, garlicky butter sauce, layered with melty cheese and bits of juicy, seasoned ground beef. It’s a dish that doesn’t hold back—rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

The flavor is deeply savory thanks to the beef and parmesan, with just enough garlic to warm your senses without overpowering the other elements. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet indulgent enough to serve guests who need a reminder of how good homemade pasta can be. Best of all, it comes together without any fussy ingredients or complicated steps.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni

This rigatoni is all about comfort and ease. The creamy garlic butter sauce doesn’t require a roux or heavy cream, yet still delivers an ultra-luxurious texture. The beef adds protein and richness, making it a satisfying one-bowl meal. And who can resist stretchy cheese melted into pasta?

If you’re someone who loves pasta dishes that are creamy but not heavy, and cheesy but not overwhelming, this one strikes the perfect balance. Plus, it reheats like a dream, so it’s a great make-ahead lunch or dinner.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

You can’t go wrong with classic dry rigatoni, which holds up well and captures all the sauce in its ridges and hollow tubes. Bronze-cut rigatoni will give you even better sauce cling, but use whatever variety you have. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a fresh or artisan-style rigatoni from your local market.

Whole wheat or gluten-free rigatoni also work beautifully here, just be mindful of the cook times on the package to avoid overcooking. The star of the show is the sauce and beef, so the pasta is mostly a vehicle for those rich, cheesy, garlicky bites.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

This dish is rich and full of flavor, and it gets that way because of the right balance of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the creamy texture, bold garlic butter flavor, and savory beef richness that makes this pasta so irresistible.

Rigatoni
Ground beef
Garlic cloves
Butter
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Milk
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef 2

How To Make the Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break it into small crumbles and cook until fully done. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese and milk, whisking gently until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce is smooth, add grated parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is rich and stretchy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it feels too thick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rigatoni and browned beef into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the beef is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Spoon the creamy, cheesy rigatoni into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni

This rich and cozy rigatoni is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet to your plate. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even just indulging on a solo night in. The cheese stays gooey and the garlic butter clings beautifully to every noodle.

If you’re feeding a crowd, this dish easily doubles and can be served buffet-style with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish. It feeds about 4 to 5 people generously, depending on portion size.

For storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back its creamy consistency and warm it over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread with a Crunch

To echo the buttery garlic flavors of the pasta, crisp garlic bread is a classic pairing.

Roasted Broccoli

A bit of green on the side provides freshness and a roasted char that contrasts the richness of the rigatoni.

Caesar Salad

Creamy dressing, crisp romaine, and croutons make this salad a go-to side that complements cheesy pasta dishes beautifully.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The sweet tang of balsamic with the nuttiness of Brussels sprouts adds a punchy counterpoint.

Tomato Basil Soup

For an ultra-comforting dinner, pair your rigatoni with a warm bowl of this light, flavorful soup.

Grilled Asparagus

Bright and slightly smoky, grilled asparagus balances the hearty beef and cheese.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction bring freshness to your plate.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water

Whether you prefer a full-bodied red or a crisp sparkling water, both go hand in hand with creamy pasta for a more elegant meal.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you love this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef, you’ll definitely want to try a few of these next:

Try the One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a smoky, hearty twist.
The Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta is a lighter but still velvety option.
For something with a seafood flair, the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a must.
Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta if you’re craving a spicy kick.
Don’t miss the Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-rich, unique base.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more garlic? Toss in mushrooms? Maybe a dash of chili flakes?

I always love hearing how others customize these dishes. Ask your questions too—let’s help each other make dinner even better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and everyday dinner inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen favorite!

Conclusion

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef is the kind of meal you make when you want something that checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, and utterly craveable. It doesn’t need any fancy ingredients to impress—just good cheese, a little butter, and tender pasta wrapped around hearty beef. It’s a weeknight winner you’ll come back to again and again.