Description
This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting pasta bake loaded with savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, creamy garlic butter sauce, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner or meal prep option for lovers of hearty, cheesy pasta dishes.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
3 cups fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Lower heat to medium-low and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the cooked rigatoni and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using). Mix to coat evenly.
6. Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
7. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
Add a splash of cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
For a lighter version, swap cream with half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg