Name: Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb lean ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

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Introduction

This creamy beef pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Combining tender ground beef with a rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked penne, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

The image shows a close-up of a black skillet filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with ground beef and diced tomatoes. The penne pasta is coated in a rich, orange cheese sauce covering most of the visible pasta pieces. Small brown chunks of cooked ground beef are scattered on top and throughout the dish, and tiny pieces of bright green parsley are sprinkled on the surface as garnish. The skillet rests on a wooden surface, blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
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.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine and coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Serve the pasta hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use half-and-half instead.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.
Use fresh Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover creamy beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish is a creamy pasta served in a white bowl, showing a rich mix of penne pasta coated in a smooth, orange-yellow cheese sauce. Scattered evenly throughout the pasta are small, browned ground beef pieces with a slightly crumbly texture, and small bits of red tomato add pops of color. Fresh green parsley flakes are sprinkled gently on top, adding contrast to the creamy sauce. The pasta looks soft and glossy, with the sauce thickly clinging to each piece, creating a hearty and comforting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and heat them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.