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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
