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Creamy Beef Pasta

A comforting and hearty dish that brings together rich flavors of ground beef and creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne pasta Feel free to sub with other pasta shapes.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Use less for a lighter sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust based on garlic preference.
  • 1 medium onion, diced White or yellow onion works best.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for the best flavor.
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season according to personal preference.
  • 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the onions and garlic.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combining
  1. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

If you have leftovers, creamy beef pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow it to cool down completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little more cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.