A comforting pasta dish featuring tender beef strips and rigatoni tossed in a rich basil-parmesan cream sauce. This hearty recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want something indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the deep, savory flavor of slow-simmered beef with the creamy richness of parmesan and fresh basil. The rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in velvety goodness. It’s satisfying, full of flavor, and comes together with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests, it delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb beef strips
12 oz rigatoni
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to slightly reduce.
5. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Add the butter and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and simmer for 5–10 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
8. Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
9. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot with extra parmesan sprinkled on top if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 generous portions

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

For a mushroom twist, add 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms when sautéing the onions.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese along with the parmesan.

You can also replace beef strips with thinly sliced chicken breast for a different but equally delicious option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, ziti, or fusilli work well because they also hold creamy sauces nicely.

How do I make the beef more tender?

Avoid overcooking during the initial sear and allow it to gently simmer in the sauce to finish cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and gently reheat before serving.

What cut of beef works best?

Sirloin or flank steak sliced into thin strips works very well for this recipe.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon dried basil if needed.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer longer or add a small amount of extra grated parmesan cheese.

Is it possible to make it spicy?

Yes, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, though the flavor and texture may differ.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad and warm garlic bread pair beautifully with this pasta.

Why did my sauce separate?

High heat can cause cream sauces to break. Keep the heat low once the cream is added and stir gently.

Conclusion

Slow-Simmered Beef Rigatoni in Lush Basil-Parmesan Cream is a comforting and satisfying pasta dish that delivers bold flavors and creamy texture in every bite. With tender beef, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich basil-infused sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for both casual dinners and special gatherings.

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