Rigatoni & Creamy Meat Sauce

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high.

Step 2

Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until al dente, about 8 minutes.

Step 3

Reserve 3/4 cup cooking water.

Step 4

Drain, then return pasta to pot and cover to keep warm off heat.

Step 5

While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high.

Step 6

Add beef and a pinch of salt; cook, breaking up meat into smaller pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 7

To skillet with beef, add garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 8

Stir in tomato sauce and cook until sauce is nearly evaporated, 4-5 minutes.

Step 9

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and rinse out skillet.

Step 10

Melt butter in same skillet over medium heat.

Step 11

Whisk in flour and cook until golden, 1-2 minutes.

Step 12

Slowly whisk in milk; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5-7 minutes.

Step 13

Stir beef mixture into cream sauce.

Step 14

Return pot with pasta to medium heat.

Step 15

Stir in creamy meat sauce, reserved cooking water, and grated parmesan until pasta is warmed through and evenly coated in sauce, about 1 minute.

Step 16

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 17

Serve rigatoni and creamy meat sauce topped with Parmesan.