Why make this recipe
Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. With the savory flavors of ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to make Creamy Beef Pasta
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 Creamy Beef Pasta hot right from the skillet. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style. Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish goes well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to store Creamy Beef Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Experiment with different types of pasta or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Variation (if any)
You can make this recipe vegetarian by using meat substitute products like lentils or textured vegetable protein. For a lighter version, you can use skim or low-fat cream instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Creamy Beef Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Beef Pasta. Just make sure to let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
2. What can I add to this recipe for extra flavor?
Consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for a great flavor boost.
3. How can I make this dish even creamier?
To make it creamier, you can use a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk the cream cheese into the sauce until smooth for extra richness.

Creamy Beef Pasta
A delicious and comforting dish combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pasta, beef, creamy, dinner, Italian
