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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 70 reviews

This creamy beef pasta combines tender penne with a rich, savory sauce made from lean ground beef, garlic, onions, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish balances hearty flavors with a smooth, creamy texture, enhanced by Italian seasoning and simple cooking techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta

Beef Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, around 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Create Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring to reach your desired sauce consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
  6. Serve: Plate the creamy beef pasta hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness for desired creaminess.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adding fresh parsley or basil as garnish adds freshness and color.
  • Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture when combined with sauce.

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