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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 62 reviews

This creamy beef pasta recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce made with lean ground beef, garlic, onions, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. With Italian seasoning enhancing the taste, this dish is a perfect comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta

Beef Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly, which should take about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning during cooking.
  4. Add Cream and Adjust Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, adding just enough to achieve your preferred sauce consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
  • To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.

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