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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni with Cajun Ground Beef – Ultimate Cheesy Pasta Dinner

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Rich creamy rigatoni with Cajun ground beef and roasted red pepper sauce loaded with bold flavor and cheesy comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced, divided
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat.
  3. Season beef with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Add half the butter and garlic to the beef and cook briefly until fragrant, then set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté remaining garlic with roasted red peppers.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and milk, then simmer gently.
  7. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  8. Gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until thick and melted.
  9. Season with remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  10. Add cooked rigatoni and beef to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and a more balanced dish.
  • Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter high-protein option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dinner.lillyrecipes.com/creamy-roasted-red-pepper-rigatoni-with-cajun-ground-beef-ultimate-cheesy-pasta-dinner/