Creamy Beef Pasta
A delightful and quick dish combining penne pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 oz penne pasta Can swap with favorite pasta shape
- 1 lb lean ground beef Consider substituting with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For serving, plus extra for garnishing
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart while it cooks until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning during this step.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently coating it with the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, don't rush the sautéing of garlic and onions. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.