Creamy Beef Pasta
A comforting and creamy beef pasta dish that's quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz penne pasta Any other pasta shape can be substituted.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Other cheeses can be used for variation.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil Used for sautéing.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and reserve about a cup of the pasta water.
Sautéing Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion turns translucent (about 5 minutes).
Browning the Beef
- Add lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned evenly (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Preparing the Sauce
- Lower the heat and gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is achieved. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Combining and Tossing
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet with sauce and gently toss until every piece is coated evenly. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or adjusting the cheese types. Pair with a crisp green salad or warm bread.