why make this recipe
This dish cooks fast and tastes rich. It mixes tender beef, creamy sauce, and pasta for a full meal. It works for weeknights and for guests.
introduction
This Creamy Beef Pasta uses simple ingredients and clear steps. It makes a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the penne well. If you like other easy creamy pasta dishes, try the Cheddar Ranch Pasta recipe for another quick idea.
how to make Creamy Beef Pasta
Cook the pasta first and set aside one cup of the hot pasta water. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Brown the ground beef and season it. Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Add pasta water little by little until the sauce is smooth. Stir in Parmesan until it melts. Toss the cooked penne in the skillet so the pasta gets coated with the sauce. Serve hot.
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 this pasta in warm bowls with extra Parmesan on top. A simple green salad and crusty bread match well. For a different dinner idea that also pairs well with a salad, see the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
Let the pasta cool to room temperature for no more than two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Save a cup of pasta water — the starchy water helps make the sauce smooth.
- Brown the beef well for more flavor; drain excess fat if needed.
- If you want a full meal, add frozen peas or fresh spinach at the end and stir until wilted.
- For a sweet finish after this savory dish, try an easy cocktail like the Almond Joy Christmas Cocktail.
variation (if any)
- Swap penne for fusilli or rigatoni.
- Add sliced mushrooms when you sauté the onion.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Fusilli, rigatoni, or shells work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can make the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
Q: Is there a lower-fat option?
A: Use half-and-half or milk and reduce the Parmesan slightly, but the sauce will be thinner.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing cream-based sauces can change texture. It is okay but the sauce may separate. Thaw and reheat slowly with a little liquid.
Conclusion
For another take on creamy beef pasta made in one pot, see this helpful recipe for one-pot creamy beef pasta from Butter Be Ready. If you want a similar creamy beef pasta with a different twist, check the Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe from Cookies and Cups.
Print
Creamy Beef Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and rich dish featuring tender beef, a creamy sauce, and pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
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
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Brown the beef well for more flavor; drain excess fat if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
