Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe is straightforward and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful choice for many reasons. First, it’s quick to make, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Second, the creamy sauce paired with beef and pasta brings a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to enjoy a filling dinner that’s sure to satisfy even the largest appetites. Plus, you can easily adjust or add ingredients based on what you have at home.
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 the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine the 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
Creamy Beef Pasta is best served hot. You can plate it directly from the skillet or serve it in individual bowls. If you like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top for added flavor and a nice presentation. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Beef Pasta
To store any leftover Creamy Beef Pasta, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente works best as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
Variation
You can switch up the type of pasta used in this recipe; while penne is great, fettuccine or shells work well too. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try using mushrooms and zucchini instead of meat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Creamy Beef Pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance, then combine it with the pasta right before serving.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: You can add less pasta water or include a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you need a lighter version or have dietary restrictions.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or dairy-free cream.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnish, additional Parmesan can be added.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combining
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
