Creamy Beef Penne Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy beef pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender ground beef and rich, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta hot. For extra flavor, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms during the onion and garlic sauté for extra veggies.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright finish.
• For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini will work well with this creamy beef sauce.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance, then combine and reheat just before serving to retain maximum creaminess.

Creamy Beef Penne Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 59 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy beef pasta recipe combines tender penne pasta with a savory ground beef and garlic sauce enriched by heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it features Italian seasoning and a smooth, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the pasta, making for a satisfying and flavorful dish ready in just 40 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta

Protein

• 1 lb lean ground beef

Sauce

• 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

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned evenly, approximately 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
4. Add Cream and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into 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, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired for a burst of additional flavor and color.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water when draining as it helps to smooth and loosen the sauce for a better consistency.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
• Adjust the amount of pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make excellent garnishes and add freshness to the dish.
• This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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