Hello everyone! We've got a wonderfully comforting and absolutely delicious recipe for you today that's perfect for a cozy evening or a lovely family meal. This Garlic Butter Bolognese Rigatoni with Cheesy Mozzarella is packed with flavor and so easy to make, with simple steps that everyone can enjoy. Let's get cooking!
This dish is a hearty, satisfying pasta that’s sure to become a favorite. The richness of the bolognese is perfectly complemented by the buttery garlic sauce and the gooey mozzarella.
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound rigatoni pasta
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus an extra clove for the butter sauce!)
* 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
**Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. **Make the Bolognese:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Brown the Meat:** Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, draining off any excess fat.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
5. **Prepare the Garlic Butter:** In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the extra minced garlic clove and cook gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. **Combine and Cheese It Up:** Add the cooked, drained rigatoni to the skillet with the bolognese sauce. Stir to coat. Pour in the garlic butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. **Melt the Mozzarella:** Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet for a few minutes, or place it under the broiler for a minute or two, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
8. **Serve:** Spoon the cheesy rigatoni into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this warm and welcoming meal!