Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Beef Pasta is a comforting dish that brings the heartiness of beef and the richness of cream together in a delightful way. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that’s quick to make. Plus, this recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
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, right from the stove. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top or add a few fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Beef Pasta
To store Creamy Beef Pasta, let it cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Beef Pasta
- For extra flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or oregano along with the Italian seasoning.
- If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- To make it a one-pot meal, cook the penne in the same pot as the sauce by adding enough water to cover the pasta while everything simmers together.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic for an added nutritional boost.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape you like will work well! Try spaghetti or fusilli for a fun twist.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, but keep in mind the sauce may be lighter.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef sauce in advance and then just cook the pasta when you are ready to serve. Combine the two right before eating.
Creamy Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish that combines the heartiness of beef with the richness of cream, perfect for busy weeknights.
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, use fresh herbs like basil or oregano. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes while cooking the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
