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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This creamy beef pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Tender ground beef and a rich Parmesan cream sauce coat perfectly cooked penne, making it an ideal weeknight meal for the whole family.

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with browned ground meat and small chunks of tomato, all coated in a rich, orange cheese sauce. The dish is sprinkled with fresh, chopped green herbs, adding contrast and freshness. The pasta pieces are well-covered with sauce, and the meat is evenly spread across the top, creating a hearty texture mix. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface. 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 olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if you like.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water added or simmer the sauce a few minutes longer.
Fresh basil or parsley make a great fresh garnish to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish served in a black bowl placed on a white marbled surface, featuring three main layers: the base layer consisting of penne pasta in a soft orange sauce, the middle layer with browned ground meat scattered evenly on top, and the top layer garnished with small green parsley leaves and bits of tomato, adding bright green and red highlights to the dish. The sauce appears rich and glossy, coating the pasta and meat well, with a slightly textured surface from the meat pieces and herbs. 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, feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but creamy sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.