Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce Easy

Looking for a creamy, meaty pasta that feels gourmet but fits your weeknight budget? This Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is everything I wish I had growing up bold, rich, and made from pantry staples.

Back then, my mom made magic from scratch, like her homemade Alfredo sauce with heavy cream. Now I do the same, creating easy dinner recipes with few ingredients that turn into family dinner ideas on a budget.

Big Flavor in Every Creamy Forkful

Dinner feels routine until this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce shows up. It’s one of those quick comfort food dinners that turn into unforgettable easy family dinner recipes fast.

The Ingredients: Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Pasta & Protein

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

Aromatics & Veggies

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce Base

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Creamy Liquid Layer

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheesy Finishers

• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Seasonings That Make It Pop

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions: Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the rigatoni
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

• Stuffani’s note: Let that pasta rest while you work on the sauce. It’s okay to breathe.

Step 2: Brown the meat
In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage. Break it up as it browns, and cook until fully done. Drain the fat.

• My trick: Cook until you get those little crispy bits flavor lives in the edges.

Step 3: Sauté onion, garlic, and spinach
Add the chopped onion to the meat. Cook 5 minutes till soft. Stir in garlic for 1 minute. Mix in spinach and cook until warmed through.

• Kitchen truth: Frozen spinach saves time, but squeeze it dry like your day depends on it.

Step 4: Make the roux
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and stir for 1 minute.

• Why it matters: This is the start of your garlic butter base don’t rush. A good roux makes or breaks the sauce.

Step 5: Pour in the milk & broth
Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Let it simmer and thicken for about 5–7 minutes.

• Evening advice: This is your pause moment just stir and breathe while it thickens. Let dinner slow you down.

Step 6: Stir in the cheese, cream & seasonings
Turn heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and all seasonings: salt, pepper, Cajun, Italian herbs, paprika. Mix until smooth.

• Flavor builder: The Cajun isn’t “spicy,” it’s depth. Add more if your people like a little kick like we do.

Step 7: Combine it all
Pour the sauce into the skillet with your meat and spinach. Add the rigatoni. Gently fold everything together until coated.

• Serving tip: It’s not fancy. It’s comfort. So dish it up hot, straight from the pan, and let your people dig in.

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce Variations and Cozy Custom Swaps

• Some nights I follow recipes like a road map.
• Other nights? I cook with instinct and mood.

Quick Swaps for Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Best Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce:

• No rigatoni? Penne, ziti, or even rotini will soak up all that creamy goodness
• Out of Italian sausage? Chorizo, turkey sausage, or even plant-based crumbles work
• No spinach in the freezer? Kale, arugula, or shredded carrots sneak in flavor

• One of my top easy pasta dinner ideas this dish forgives substitutions without losing its soul.
• Still belongs in any collection of budget-friendly meals that feel anything but basic.

How to Personalize Your Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Best Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Add red pepper flakes if your people like heat
• Roasted mushrooms or zucchini make it heartier without the heaviness
• A scoop of ricotta stirred in at the end adds rich, creamy depth

• Just like creamy one-pot Cajun beef and cheddar pasta, this one fits any table big, small, rushed, or cozy.
• When life isn’t predictable, this creamy sausage pasta recipe lets dinner stay steady.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce Best

Best Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe:

• Serve it piping hot in big bowls, right out of the pan
• Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad
• Want cozy? Add a side of Garlic Butter Beef Rollups for a full comfort spread
• It’s perfect for easy family dinner recipes no fuss, all flavor

How to Store Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Best Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe:

• Let the dish cool completely before storing
• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk
• Great for budget-friendly meals you’ll love the leftovers just as much

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FAQ: Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

Conclusion

When I first made this Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce, I was tired, short on time, and just wanted something warm on the table. I didn’t expect it to become the meal my go-to, my comfort, my “everything’s okay now” dish.

Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce

• Author: Stuffani Borjat
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop + One-Pan
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

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Description

This creamy Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce is bold, comforting, and easy enough for weeknights made with simple ingredients but rich in flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

Step 1: Boil the rigatoni
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the meat
In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage. Break it up as it browns, and cook until fully done. Drain the fat.

Step 3: Sauté onion, garlic, and spinach
Add the chopped onion to the meat. Cook 5 minutes till soft. Stir in garlic for 1 minute. Mix in spinach and cook until warmed through.

Step 4: Make the roux
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and stir for 1 minute.

Step 5: Pour in the milk & broth
Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Let it simmer and thicken for about 5–7 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the cheese, cream & seasonings
Turn heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and all seasonings: salt, pepper, Cajun, Italian herbs, paprika. Mix until smooth.

Step 7: Combine it all
Pour the sauce into the skillet with your meat and spinach. Add the rigatoni. Gently fold everything together until coated.

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Notes

Make ahead and store in the fridge up to 3 days.

Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Use rotini, penne, or shells if you’re out of rigatoni.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: creamy sausage pasta, rigatoni recipe, garlic butter pasta, beef and sausage pasta, Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage Rigatoni in Garlic Butter Sauce