Creamy Prime Rib Pasta offers a luscious blend of tender pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce, perfectly complemented by savory sautéed mushrooms and juicy slices of prime rib. This comforting dish elevates any weeknight dinner or special occasion with its indulgent flavors and satisfying textures.
The combination of earthy cremini mushrooms and the smoky hint of Cajun seasoning adds depth to the creamy sauce, while the pre-cooked prime rib provides a luscious beefy bite that melts effortlessly in every forkful. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is both quick and luxurious.
- Rich and creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream offers indulgence in every bite.
- Tender prime rib adds a luxurious, protein-packed twist to classic pasta.
- Simple stovetop method comes together quickly for an impressive meal anytime.
- Adaptable seasoning allows customization from smoky paprika to Cajun spice.
Ingredients
- Uncooked Pasta (8 oz / 225g): Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to ensure a tender, al dente base that holds the creamy sauce well.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity, smooth flavor and prevents mushrooms from sticking to the pan during sautéing.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Provides richness and helps create an indulgent, silky sauce texture.
- Cremini Mushrooms (7 oz / 200g), sliced: These mushrooms add an earthy, deep flavor and meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the mushrooms and overall dish.
- Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Provides an aromatic, savory depth that lifts the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Creates the luscious, smooth base of the sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty dimension essential for the creamy sauce’s flavor complexity.
- Cajun Seasoning or Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a smoky, slightly spicy kick enhancing the sauce without overwhelming the delicate creaminess.
- Cooked Prime Rib (1 pound / 450g), sliced into bite-size pieces: Use pre-cooked tender prime rib to add hearty, juicy beef flavor without overcooking.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright herbal note as a finishing touch to the dish.
Instructions
- Boil and Cook Pasta
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Bring a medium saucepan filled with water to a rolling boil and generously salt it to season the pasta while cooking. Add the pasta and cook it according to package instructions until al dente, ensuring a firm yet tender bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain
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Before draining, save one cup of the starchy pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce and improve its consistency later. Drain the pasta carefully and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms in Butter and Oil
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Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat to combine rich flavor and prevent burning. Add sliced cremini mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their earthy aroma.
- Add Garlic and Build Flavor
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Stir in the minced garlic to the mushrooms, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse savory depth without bitterness. This step layers the flavors for a balanced sauce.
- Create the Cream Sauce
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Pour heavy cream into the skillet, then add grated Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, developing a rich flavor base.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency
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Slowly add reserved pasta water a little at a time while simmering for one minute. This thins and loosens the sauce to perfectly coat the pasta and allows the flavors to meld.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce
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Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and gently toss it in the creamy sauce until every piece is evenly coated, ensuring balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- Incorporate Prime Rib
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Carefully fold in the sliced prime rib pieces, warming them through without cooking further. This retains the tenderness and juiciness of the beef, adding a meaty richness.
- Garnish and Serve
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Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s silky texture at its best.
- Use pre-cooked prime rib to preserve the beef’s tenderness and prevent it from drying out in the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water is essential as it helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and cling perfectly to pasta.
- Adjust seasoning carefully, especially if your Parmesan cheese is salty, to avoid overpowering flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftover creamy prime rib pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as it warms.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a crusty gluten-free garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce. For a heartier meal, steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables are excellent complements.
- Choose firm pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold the creamy sauce well and provide textural contrast.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for better melting and superior flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer gently; avoid boiling vigorously to prevent cream from curdling or separating.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of mushrooms?
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Yes, shiitake or button mushrooms can be substituted but cremini offers the best balance of earthiness and texture.
- Is this recipe dairy-free?
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No, the sauce uses heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, but you can substitute coconut cream and vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Can I prepare the prime rib from raw?
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This recipe is designed for pre-cooked prime rib to avoid overcooking; if cooking from raw, prepare separately and slice before adding.
- What pasta works best for this dish?
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Gluten-free penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great as their ridges help hold the creamy sauce.
- How can I make the sauce spicier?
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Increase the Cajun seasoning amount or add a pinch of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
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Yes, for a lighter sauce you can substitute half-and-half but the sauce might be less rich and thick.
Creamy Prime Rib Pasta
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan to boil pasta
- 1 skillet to cook mushrooms and sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 7 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika
- 1 pound cooked prime rib sliced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil and salt it generously.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
- Add sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook 3 to 4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Loosen sauce with reserved pasta water and simmer for 1 minute, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in prime rib pieces to warm through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Ensure prime rib is pre-cooked to avoid overcooking in sauce.
- This dish pairs well with side salad or garlic bread.
