The Best Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni

This is one of my cheesiest recipes yet! All you need is a couple minutes and just a few ingredients to make this cheesy delicious pasta dish! I love how quick it is, and you will get a large cheese pull with every bite!

First, salt your water and boil your rigatoni to aldente! This means they are not fully cooked but about 80% of the way. We will be cooking them in the sauce to finish up. I prefer a slight bite to my pasta, therefore, I cook them for about a minute or 2 less than the instructions on the packaging.

Next, in a skillet while your pasta is cooking, melt 8 oz of butter. Add 2 cups of freshly grated parmesan on low to medium heat. We do not want the pan too hot. When the butter and parmesan are a thicker consistency, add your pasta water and stir. Add your pasta water about 1/4 cup at a time. I used about 1/2-3/4 cup of water total, but just add a bit at a time. This will slowly melt the cheese and make it into a thick sauce. Once your sauce is at the consistency you like, add your pasta.

Mix well so it is coated with the parmesan sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flake for spice. Now to make it more cheesy, add about 3/4 cup of whole milk shredded mozzarella. This will melt and add amazing cheese pulls to the dish. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.

The Best Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni

This Cheesy Parmesan Rigatoni is one of the cheesiest, most comforting pasta dishes you'll ever make! With a rich buttery parmesan sauce, a perfect cheese pull from melted mozzarella, and a hint of spice, this dish comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta
• Large Skillet
• Strainer
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta:

• 1 box rigatoni
• 1 tsp salt
• 4-6 cups boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 8 oz butter
• 2 cups grated fresh parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
• 3/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

For Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions.
• Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Sauce

• In a large skillet over low to medium heat, melt butter.
• Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until it forms a thick consistency.
• Slowly pour in reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly.
• Continue adding water until the sauce is smooth and creamy (about 1/2-3/4 cup total).

Step 3: Combine & Add Extra Cheese

• Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss until well coated.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Sprinkle in grated mozzarella cheese and mix until melted for an extra cheesy pull.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest for a fresh finish.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate cheesy rigatoni!

Keyword cheesy rigatoni, creamy rigatoni, paremsan pasta, quick pasta recipe