Creamy Beef Pasta

There’s something about Creamy Beef Pasta that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s one of those dishes that can instantly transport you back to family dinners on a cozy Sunday night, where the kitchen was filled with laughter, the aromas of garlic and onion danced through the air, and everyone gathered around the table. This is the recipe I turn to whenever I want to whip up something comforting but with a dash of elegance. The rich, creamy sauce enveloping the hearty pasta is pure magic, and let’s face it—who can resist that?

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why should this creamy delight be your go-to choice tonight? First off, it’s the ideal blend of comforting and satisfying. The rich, creamy sauce combines beautifully with the savory ground beef and perfectly cooked penne, wrapping everything in a hug of flavor that warms the心. Plus, it’s an easy meal; you can have it on the table in about 30 minutes! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends, this dish promises to impress without keeping you chained to the stove for hours.

And can we talk about customization? You can easily sneak in some veggies, toss in your favorite herbs, or even swap out the protein for chicken or turkey. It’s a canvas for you to play with, so feel free to make it your own. This is not just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the stars of this dish—the ingredients that transform simple pasta into something truly special.

• Penne Pasta: You’ll need 8 oz of this tubular goodness. Penne is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce in every delightful bite. If you want to switch things up, bowtie or fusilli works beautifully too.

• Lean Ground Beef: 1 lb will do. It brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious—1 cup is what you need. It creates a sauce that’s indulgent yet surprisingly easy to whip up. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half can work, but don’t tell the heavy cream!

• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for that punch of flavor. Fresh garlic is a must—it’s the aromatic backbone. Don’t shy away from adding more if you’re a garlic lover!

• Onion: A medium onion, diced, for a sweet, caramelized touch when sautéed. Yellow or white, it’s your choice, but please don’t skip it.

• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated, is essential. This nutty, salty cheese transforms the creamy sauce into something heavenly. Freshly grated beats pre-packaged any day!

• Italian Seasoning: 2 tsp brings a blend of herbs that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Italy. If you prefer to mix your own, consider oregano, thyme, and a bit of basil.

• Olive Oil: Just 2 tsp for sautéing will help bring everything to life, creating a rich flavor as it cooks. Extra virgin is the way to go for that beautiful taste.

• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t skip seasoning! It makes all the difference in enhancing those delicious layers of flavor.

The cooking process explained

Ready to sauté? Let’s dive into the step-by-step magic of putting this dish together:

1. Cook the penne: Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it, but don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of that beautiful pasta water—you’ll thank me later!

2. Sauté the base: In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins.

3. Brown the beef: Add in your 1 lb of lean ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart as you cook, allowing it to brown evenly—this should take about 7 minutes. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and 2 tsp of Italian seasoning. And oh, that aroma!

4. Create the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This is your creamy dream coming to life! Gradually add your reserved pasta water until you reach that perfect sauce consistency; it should cling to the pasta but not be too runny.

5. Add the magic cheese: Mix in your 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts thoroughly, creating that luxurious sauce we all crave.

6. Combine and toss: Gently fold in your cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is coated in the creamy goodness.

7. Serve it up: Dig in while it’s hot! You might want to garnish each plate with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a bit of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you’ve created this creamy masterpiece, how do you serve it? This dish shines on its own, but why not take it up a notch? Pair it with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Crusty garlic bread on the side doesn’t hurt either—think of it as the trusty sidekick to soak up all that dreamy sauce!

You can also consider a glass of red wine, like a Chianti or a Malbec, to complement the savory beef perfectly. Feeling a little more adventurous? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for those who like a kick—it’s a fun twist!

How to store and freeze

What about leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have some, you can keep creamy beef pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it back up.

Freezing? It’s doable, but there’s a catch—creamy sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. I suggest freezing the beef mixture separately from the pasta. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat the beef mixture and toss in the freshly cooked pasta.

Pro chef tips

Here are a few insider secrets that will bring your Creamy Beef Pasta to the next level:

• Don’t rush the sauté: Take your time with the onions and garlic. Those golden bits are packed with flavor and a little patience goes a long way.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning is key. Tweak as necessary, and remember that cheese adds saltiness, so taste after you mix in the Parmesan.

• Add seasonal veggies: Feel free to throw in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when you add the beef—it’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients while boosting flavor.

• Make it a one-pot dish: If you’re up for it, try cooking the penne right in the sauce! Just add the uncooked pasta and enough liquid to cover it once you’ve added the cream. It’s an easy way to allow the pasta to soak up even more flavor.

Creative Twists

Craving some variety? This recipe is your canvas, waiting to be painted with flavors that you love.

• Herb upgrades: Swap Italian seasoning for a fresh herb blend or a touch of fresh basil at the end for a garden-fresh note.

• Spice it up: Why not bring in some taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist? Top it off with jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

• Cheese feast: Try experimenting with different cheeses like Gouda or a sprinkle of feta for a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients list

• 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 to follow

1. Cook 8 oz of penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and 2 tsp Italian seasoning.
4. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
5. Mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Your questions answered

• Can I use whole wheat pasta? Absolutely! It’s a great way to incorporate more fiber.
• What can I serve with it? A simple salad and garlic bread are great companions.
• How long does it take to make? About 30 minutes from start to finish!
• Can I make it ahead of time? You can prep the beef sauce in advance; just combine with pasta when ready to serve.
• Is this dish kid-friendly? Definitely! The creamy sauce and pasta make it a hit with kids.

This creamy beef pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a reason to gather around the table. It’s about flavor, comfort, and the joy of sharing a delicious dish with the people you love. So go ahead, try your hand at this delightful recipe! And don’t be shy—let your creative instincts run wild. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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Creamy Beef Pasta

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 3 mins Total Time 30 hrs 3 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Winter

Description

Creamy Beef Pasta that combines rich flavors with comfort, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef Pasta

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta (Substitute with bowtie or fusilli if preferred.)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Add more for extra flavor.)
• 1 medium onion, diced (Use yellow or white onion.)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated recommended.)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (Mix your own if desired.)
• 2 tsp olive oil (Extra virgin preferred for flavor.)
• to taste salt and pepper (Essential for flavor enhancement.)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Penne

   Boil salted water and cook 8 oz of penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

   Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
   Mark as complete

3. Brown the Beef

   Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking apart until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 2 tsp Italian seasoning.
   Mark as complete

4. Create the Sauce

   Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Parmesan

   Mix in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a creamy sauce.
   Mark as complete

6. Combine Pasta

   Fold in the cooked pasta gently, ensuring it's well coated with the sauce.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Plate immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 25g39%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 700 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.4 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 90 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.8 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or changing the type of pasta.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, comfort food, pasta dish, easy dinner recipe