Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

If you love simple comfort food, this Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce brings warm, creamy flavor to every bite. It is rich, smooth, and quick to make, which is perfect for busy nights or when you want something cozy. It also pairs well with simple Steak Dinner Ideas Pasta meals. This is a recipe you may want to save for later.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Optional pinch of Cajun Steak seasoning

Instructions

1. Boil the rigatoni in salted water until tender. Save one cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Melt the butter in a large pan on medium heat. Add garlic and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the flour until smooth.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of Cajun Steak seasoning if you like heat.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni and stir to coat the pasta.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
9. Let the pasta sit for two minutes so the sauce clings well.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta
• Adding cheese too quickly
• Using cold milk
• Not salting the pasta water

Tips For Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
• Add Cajun Steak seasoning for warm flavor
• Stir often to avoid sticking
• Pair with a cozy creamy white bean dish for a full meal

How To Serve

This pasta is great with roasted vegetables, fresh salad, garlic bread, or grilled meat. You can also serve it with a bowl of Hamburger Hobo Dinner for a hearty table spread.

Flavor Add In Ideas

• Cooked chicken
• Spinach or peas
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil
• A spoon of savory black eyed pea mix

Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce

This Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is a warm, creamy comfort food ideal for busy nights. It pairs rich dairy flavors with tender pasta, perfect for cozy dinners or pairing with grilled meats and veggies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Calories: 610

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta dry
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Cajun Steak seasoning optional pinch

Equipment

• Large Pan
• Sauce whisk
• Pasta pot

Method

 

1. Boil the rigatoni in salted water until tender. Save one cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Melt the butter in a large pan on medium heat. Add garlic and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the flour until smooth.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of Cajun Steak seasoning if you like heat.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni and stir to coat the pasta.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
9. Let the pasta sit for two minutes so the sauce clings well.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for best results. Avoid adding cold milk, and stir constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Add cooked chicken or vegetables to vary the dish.

Make Ahead And Storage

• Make the sauce one day early and warm it gently before serving
• Store leftovers in the fridge for three days
• Reheat slowly and add milk if needed
• Freezing works, but texture may change a bit

FAQs

Why is my sauce too thick?

It thickens as it cools. Add pasta water or milk to loosen it.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes. Cheddar, provolone, or blends work well for new flavor.

Why did my sauce turn grainy?

The cheese was added at too high heat. Lower the heat next time.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce is warm, creamy, and simple. The sauce melts into every piece for a rich and cozy meal. If you enjoy easy comfort dishes, save and share this recipe on Pinterest so others can try it too.