Creamy Beef Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring creamy sauce and savory beef, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 8 oz penne pasta Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream Dairy-free options available.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Consider using a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced Red or yellow onion works well.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning Adjust according to taste preferences.
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the onion and garlic.
Seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust to personal preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until browned, approximately 7 minutes.
Cooking
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan until melted.
- Toss the cooked penne with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding water or cream as needed.