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Creamy beef pasta dish garnished with herbs and served in a bowl

Creamy Beef Pasta

A comforting and hearty creamy beef pasta dish made with penne, ground beef, and a luscious sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta Cooked according to package instructions
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until browned, roughly 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cooking

  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
  • Mix in the grated Parmesan until melted smoothly.
  • Gently combine the cooked pasta with the creamy beef mixture in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.

Serving

  • Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream for consistency.
Keyword comfort food, Creamy Beef Pasta, Family-Friendly, One-Skillet Meal, Quick Dinner