Creamy Beef Pasta

A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and pasta that the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta and Beef Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta You can substitute with any short pasta.
1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternative.
1 cup heavy cream For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream.

Vegetables and Seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced To enhance the flavor, sauté until fragrant.
1 medium onion, diced Sauté with garlic for better flavor.
2 tsp Italian seasoning Add more if desired for extra flavor.
2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the vegetables.

Sauce and Toppings

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can be substituted with mozzarella for a gooey texture.

Method

Cooking Pasta

Boil the penne according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 7 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Create the Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired sauce consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan until melted.

Combine and Serve

Gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it well with the creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

To make it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to regain creamy texture.