Creamy Beef Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting dish that brings family and friends together. It’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta

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 for sautéing

Directions:

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Beef Pasta

Serve Creamy Beef Pasta hot right from the skillet. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top or add fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

How to Store Creamy Beef Pasta

To store leftover Creamy Beef Pasta, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or extra cream to bring back the creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Beef Pasta

• For extra flavor, let the beef brown a bit more before adding the cream.
• If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or diced tomatoes.
• You can swap out penne for other pasta shapes such as rotini or fusilli.

Variation

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor.

2. What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less thick and creamy.

3. Can I freeze Creamy Beef Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture may change upon reheating. It’s best to eat it fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days.

Creamy Beef Pasta

A comforting dish featuring tender beef and creamy sauce mixed with hearty pasta, perfect for any gathering.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Base Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta Substitute with other pasta shapes if desired.
• 1 lb lean ground beef Can swap for ground turkey or chicken.
• 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing.

Creamy Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reserve extra for garnishing.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.
• 1 medium onion, diced Sauté with garlic for depth.
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning For seasoning the beef.
• Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. 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 and Serving

1. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
2. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the beef brown more before adding the cream. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.