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🍝 Million Dollar Creamy Rigatoni

Rich, Cheesy, Ultimate Comfort Food
Creamy. Cheesy. Irresistible.This baked rigatoni is the definition of comfort food—loaded with rich meat sauce, creamy goodness, and layers of melty cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels a little indulgent (in the best way) and always has everyone going back for seconds.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb rigatoni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ onion finely diced
  • Âľ cup heavy cream
  • 2 –2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the meat:
  2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned.
  4. Build the sauce:
  5. Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  6. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  7. Make it creamy:
  8. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until rich and smooth.
  9. Cook the pasta:
  10. Boil rigatoni in salted water until just under al dente. Drain.
  11. Mix & layer:
  12. Combine pasta with the sauce. Stir in about 1 cup mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  13. Bake:
  14. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  15. Bake to perfection:
  16. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, then broil 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

✨ Ashley’s Tips

  • Slightly undercook your pasta so it finishes perfectly in the oven
  • The combo of ground beef + Italian sausage gives it that extra rich, restaurant-style flavor
  • Add a splash of red wine while cooking the meat for depth
  • Use a high-quality marinara (like Rao’s) for the best results
  • Finish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan right before serving