Creamy Beef Pasta
Creamy beef pasta is a satisfying and quick dish featuring tender penne pasta in a rich sauce made with ground beef, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook until al dente
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, can use half-and-half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more for garnish if desired
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking the penne according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Once done, drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is browned, about 7 minutes.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated.
- Serve hot, and if desired, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Notes
Creamy beef pasta can be paired with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.