Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights in. With tender ground beef, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together easily on the stove.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly add the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

• For more flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
• Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta texture that holds sauce well.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms during sautéing to boost vegetable content.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and follow the same seasoning steps.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package directions and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Irresistible Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for cozy nights. Tender penne pasta is combined with flavorful ground beef and enveloped in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Simple to prepare and full of satisfying flavors, this dish makes an ideal dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta

Beef and Sauce

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned through, approximately 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
4. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the creamy sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a perfectly smooth texture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the sauce.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides better melting and richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper before serving.
• Can be easily doubled for larger servings or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, penne pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, Italian pasta dish, easy dinner recipes, creamy pasta sauce