Creamy Beef Pasta

There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a creamy pasta dish when the weather outside starts to turn chilly. One of my most cherished recipes is a Creamy Beef Pasta that I stumbled upon during those lazy weekends at home where the aroma of something delicious bubbling on the stove would fill the air. It’s a rich, hearty meal that takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where the simple joys of cooking came alive. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a memory—a warm hug that brings the family together around the dinner table.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, why should you roll up your sleeves and get busy in the kitchen tonight? Well, let me paint you a picture: tender penne pasta, beautifully coated in a velvety sauce enriched with ground beef and high-quality Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Each bite is a symphony of flavors—garlic, creamy richness, and a hint of Italian magic that whispers “more, please!”

What makes this recipe really special is its simplicity with a twist. It’s a one-skillet wonder, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. If you’re looking for something that hits the spot after a long day or works perfectly for an impromptu gathering, this creamy beef pasta is it. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an easy go-to that never fails to impress.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the stars of the show that come together to make this delightful dish:

• 8 oz penne pasta: The pasta shape is critical—those little ridges capture the sauce beautifully. If you’ve got any other short pasta on hand, say fusilli or rigatoni, that works, too!

• 1 lb lean ground beef: Look for a good quality ground beef that’s not too fatty. You can easily substitute it with turkey or even a plant-based option for a lighter or vegetarian twist.

• 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens. The cream adds luscious richness. You could swap in half-and-half for a lighter version, but trust me, the heavy cream is worth it for that creamy goodness!

• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key! It infuses the dish with a fragrant, robust essence. Don’t even think about using pre-minced; it just doesn’t compare.

• 1 medium onion, diced: Sweet and savory, the onion adds depth to the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with shallots for a milder, sweeter kick.

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts effortlessly and adds that nutty flavor that makes everything better. No knock-off stuff, please!

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A herbal blend that brings an aromatic uplift. If you’ve got fresh herbs like basil or oregano, toss those in for extra brilliance!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out the flavors. Always taste as you go!

• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing: This trusty oil will help us start the magic in the skillet. Feel free to swap it out for butter for a richer flavor.

The cooking process explained

Ready to dive into making some kitchen magic? Here’s how this beauty comes together:

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot, generously salting it. Once it’s rolling, add your penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente—perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain and be sure to reserve about 1 cup of that precious pasta water for later.

2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle your olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until beautifully fragrant and golden. Ah, the smell of heaven already!

3. Brown the beef: Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it transforms into a lovely brown color—about 7 minutes is perfect. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This is where those flavors start to dance!

4. Cream it up: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This is the moment we transform your skillet into a creamy paradise. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency—be bold here!

5. Cheesetastic moment: Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s perfectly melted and incorporated into the sauce.

6. Pasta meet sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly in that dreamy sauce. Get every noodle enveloped in creamy goodness!

7. Garnish and serve: Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Best way to enjoy it

Now, let’s talk presentation. A lovely bowl of this creamy beef pasta deserves a seat at the dining table! Plate it up with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and maybe a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

Pair it with a simple side salad—something fresh and crisp to cut through the richness. A light vinaigrette will do wonders here! If you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of red wine adds a nice touch, making everything feel a bit more special. Trust me, this dish loves a good drink!

Keeping leftovers fresh

Now for the practical side—what to do with the leftovers (if you have any!).

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash more of cream or even a touch of water to help loosen things up and maintain that creamy texture. You can also microwave your portion, but the skillet brings the magic back!

If you want to get ahead of the game, you can freeze the creamy beef pasta. Just let it cool and store it in freezer-safe containers. It’ll be good for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating!

Pro chef tips

Here are some secret nuggets for your creamy beef pasta journey:

• Always taste as you go! It’s the best way to create a dish that is tailored to your palate.
• If you want smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or even some cooked pancetta for an extra layer of awesomeness.
• For a veggie boost, feel free to throw in some spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are ways to remix your creamy beef pasta:

• Mushroom magic: Sauté some mushrooms along with the onions for an earthier flavor.
• Green goddess: Toss in some steamed broccoli or asparagus for a pop of green and extra nutrients.
• Cheese variety: Swap out Parmesan for something like feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that’ll surprise your taste buds.
• Spicy flair: Add a touch of crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process for an extra zing!

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 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.
3. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached.
6. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
7. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Your questions answered

• How long will this take to prep? Total prep and cook time is about 30-40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives work beautifully.
• What’s the best way to reheat this? A skillet on low heat with a splash of cream or water keeps it creamy without overcooking.
• Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! Prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
• Is it freezer-friendly? It is! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in airtight containers.

Don’t you just love the comfort of a filling, flavorful meal? I’m excited for you to try this creamy beef pasta recipe! It’s a delightful blend of simplicity and comfort food perfection. I encourage you to give it a whirl, let your creativity shine with variations, and then share your experience with me in the comments! Let’s make this a part of our vibrant cooking community, one delicious dish at a time.

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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 W Warm

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 4 mins Total Time 40 hrs 4 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: Winter

Description

Creamy Beef Pasta is a rich and hearty comfort food that's perfect for chilly weather. Made with tender penne pasta, creamy sauce, and ground beef, this dish is reminiscent of childhood kitchens.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef (can substitute with turkey or plant-based option)
• 1 cup heavy cream (can use half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (use fresh garlic)
• 1 medium onion, diced (can substitute with shallots)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used)
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing (can substitute with butter for richer flavor)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta

   Begin by boiling water in a large pot, generously salting it. Once it’s rolling, add your penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente—perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain and be sure to reserve about 1 cup of that precious pasta water for later.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the Aromatics

   In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle your olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until beautifully fragrant and golden.
   Mark as complete

3. Brown the Beef

   Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it transforms into a lovely brown color—about 7 minutes is perfect. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   Mark as complete

4. Cream it Up

   Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
   Mark as complete

5. Cheesetastic Moment

   Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s perfectly melted and incorporated into the sauce.
   Mark as complete

6. Pasta Meets Sauce

   Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly in that dreamy sauce.
   Mark as complete

7. Garnish and Serve

   Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 44g68%

Saturated Fat 21g105%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 700mg30%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 4 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

Thiamin 0.6 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 80 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.7 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.7 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

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to three months.

Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, comfort food, one-skillet meal, easy dinner