why make this recipe
Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. The combination of lean ground beef, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta makes it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when time is short.
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 :
- 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 until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
how to serve Creamy Beef Pasta
Serve Creamy Beef Pasta hot. You can plate it in bowls or on plates and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley on top for added flavor and presentation. This dish pairs nicely with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Creamy Beef Pasta can be kept for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite (al dente) as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on how rich you want your sauce to be.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, for a unique twist. You could also use different pasta shapes, like fettuccine or farfalle, to change the texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?
Yes, whole wheat pasta can be a healthier alternative and works well in this recipe.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Just combine them before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Beef Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it for later. Just be aware that the texture may change when you reheat it. It’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible.
4. What can I serve with Creamy Beef Pasta?
This dish goes well with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.
Creamy Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting dish that blends lean ground beef with a rich, creamy sauce and al dente pasta, making it perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.
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
Instructions
- 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 until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
