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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.