Creamy Beef Pasta
This creamy, comforting pasta dish made with ground beef, penne, and a cheesy cream sauce is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Use lean to avoid a greasy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, diced Sauté for flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a cheesy flavor.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning Adds herby notes.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the onion and garlic.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combining
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. To freeze, cool fully and freeze in a container for up to 2 months.