Donna why make this recipe
This creamy beef pasta is quick, filling, and low fuss. It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. You get a rich sauce, tender beef, and pasta that soaks up the cream. Many people like it for weeknight dinners because it cooks fast and tastes like comfort food.
introduction
Creamy Beef Pasta mixes browned beef with a smooth cream sauce and Parmesan. The sauce clings to penne for a warm, creamy bite. This meal feeds a family or makes good leftovers. If you like similar dishes, try this creamy beef and shells idea for another easy dinner.
how to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Cook the penne until al dente, drain, and save 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Turn the heat low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the thickness you like.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta well.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley if you like.
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 the pasta hot straight from the pan. Add more grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper. A simple green salad or steamed veggies go well on the side. For a warm drink after the meal, consider an easy treat like 3-ingredient hot cocoa mix.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
Let the pasta cool to room temperature first. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Use lean ground beef to reduce extra grease.
- Save pasta water — it helps the cream sauce cling to the pasta.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Lower the heat before adding cream to avoid curdling.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
variation (if any)
- Swap penne for rigatoni, shells, or fusilli.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce (sauce will be thinner).
- Add mushrooms or spinach with the onions for extra veg.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Replace beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little water or milk.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add a little extra Parmesan to thicken.
Q: How do I stop the sauce from getting too thin?
A: Add less pasta water and let the sauce simmer a bit to reduce. Also use full-fat cream and enough Parmesan.
Q: Is this recipe good for kids?
A: Yes. It is mild and creamy. Leave out red pepper flakes and serve plain or with extra cheese.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on seasonings and Parmesan to ensure they are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef Pasta is a fast, comforting meal that uses simple pantry ingredients and cooks in about 30 minutes. For a one-pot take on this idea, you can see a helpful version at one-pot creamy beef pasta on Butter Be Ready. If you want another full recipe write-up and tips, check the creamy beef pasta recipe at Cookies and Cups for more ideas.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne until al dente, drain, and save 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Turn the heat low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the thickness you like.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta well.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley if you like.
