Short Rib Pasta Cream Sauce

Short rib pasta cream sauce enhances the rich taste of braised short ribs with a velvety cream texture. The result is a delicious, satisfying meal to turn your ordinary moment into something special.

The name might be hard to pronounce, but the process of making it is easier than you think. Following some simple steps, your sauce will be ready in no time. 

Serve the dish to your family and friends for a cozy dinner or a memorable meal. So let’s get started and learn how to make short rib pasta cream sauce right in your kitchen. 

What is Short Rib Pasta Cream Sauce?

Short rib cream pasta sauce is a rich, luxurious dish. It is made by braising short ribs in a savory broth. The brasing liquid is then used to create a hearty, creamy sauce. The ribs are slowly cooked to become tender and flavorful. Cream is then added to the broth to form a thick consistency. The short ribs and cream combination creates a delightful, comforting food that keeps you coming back for more. 

The dish can be paired with a variety of pastas. But it’s best when combined with pasta shapes that can contain the sauce, like rigatoni, pappardelle, or fettuccine. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make your short rib pasta cream sauce:

• Short Ribs- 2 Pounds of Bone-in Short Ribs

Short ribs are the star of this dish. You’ll need bone-in short ribs for the optimum flavor. The bones cook in the broth to produce a rich, complex flavor profile of the sauce.  

• Olive Oil- 2 Tablespoons

Olive oil is used for searing the short ribs. It helps to build a rich, caramelized flavor. 

• Onion- 1 Medium Onion, Chopped

Onions add sweetness and depth to the sauce. Saute them to bring out the natural flavor. 

• Garlic- 4 Cloves, Minced

Garlic adds an aromatic base and extra savory flavor to the sauce. 

• Red Wine- 1 Cup

Red wine helps deglaze the pan. Plus, it adds acidity and complexity to the braising liquid. 

• Beef Broth- 3 Cups

Use beef broth to braise the short ribs and create the foundation of the sauce. It adds the extra richness and depth to the dish. 

• Heavy Cream- 1 Cup

Heavy cream gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture. Also, balances the savory richness of the short ribs. 

• Fresh Thyme- 2-3 Sprigs

Thyme pairs beautifully with the beef, adding a fresh herbal note. It brings an air of fresh flavor against the high richness of the broth and the cream. 

• Bay Leaves- 2 Leaves

Bay leaves provide an earthy, floral flavor to the braising liquid. 

• Salt and Pepper- To Taste

Season the sauce and short ribs with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. 

• Pasta- 1 Pound of Pasta (Rigatoni, pappardelle, or Fettuccine)

Choose a pasta shape with ridges or a wide surface area to hold the creamy sauce and chunks of short rib meat. 

How to Make Short Rib Pasta Cream Sauce (5 Easy Steps)

Step 1: Braise the Short Ribs

Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil in a Dutch oven for 6-8 minutes. Remove ribs, and then sauté onions and garlic. Deglaze with red wine and reduce. Return ribs, add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves together. Braise 2-3 hours until tender.

Step 2: Shred the Short Ribs

Once the meat is tender and the short ribs are fully braised, remove them from the pot. Set it aside to cool. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the braising liquid. 

Now, shred the short rib meat using two forks. Discard any excess bones or fats. Return the shredded meat to the pot with the braising liquid. Stir the mixture well to combine. 

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Add the heavy cream to the braising liquid. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the liquid thickens and turns creamy. 

Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. 

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the short rib ceram sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. 

After draining the water, add the freshly cooked pasta to the short rib cream sauce. Toss them over into the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to let the sauce coat the pasta evenly. 

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley and serve. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese if you love the texture. 

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made your short rib pasta cream sauce, here are some delicious ways to serve:

With Grilled Vegetable

Pair your pasta with some grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a full, hearty meal. 

With Garlic Bread

A side of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce. The crunchy buttery bread complements the rich pasta. 

With a Side Salad

Serve the pasta with fresh salad as a side dish to complement each other. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully. 

Topped with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

For extra flavor, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or basil. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. 

Conclusion

So there you have it. The short rib pasta cream sauce recipe is ready at your fingertips. Gather the ingredients, and you are ready to try out the recipe. The sauce never fails to delight you when you pair it with your favorite pasta. Impress your family and friends, and the recipe will never let you down for sure. For the best result, be sure to follow every step carefully.

FAQs

How to Make Short Rib Pasta With Cream Sauce From Scratch?

Brown the short ribs. Braise them in wine and broth until tender. Shred the meat and add cream to the braising liquid. Toss the cooked pasta with the mixture. 

What Pasta Shapes Pair Best With Short Rib Sauce?

Pasta shapes like rigatoni, pappardelle, fettuccine, or penne pair best with the sauce. The creamy sauce and the small meat chunks need considerable surface to hold on to. 

Can You Freeze Creamy Short Rib Pasta Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with little cream or broth to restore consistency.