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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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