why make this recipe
Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef and creamy sauce with pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is not only flavorful but also customizable, making it a great option for families or gatherings.
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 the heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine the 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 on a plate or in a bowl. You can sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
To store Creamy Beef Pasta, let it cool to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Make sure to use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on how creamy you want the sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Always reserve some pasta water; it’s great for thinning out the sauce if needed.
- For added flavor, try using freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
variation
You can switch out the penne pasta for any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli or spaghetti. Additionally, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding different herbs like basil or oregano can also change the flavor profile of the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Creamy Beef Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure to cool it completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
2. What can I serve with Creamy Beef Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While Parmesan is traditional, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you prefer that melts well.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Creamy Beef Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining rich flavors of ground beef and creamy sauce with pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- 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 the heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Make sure to use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy. Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on desired creaminess. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Always reserve some pasta water for thinning out the sauce. For added flavor, try using freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None specified
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: beef pasta, creamy pasta, Italian recipe, weeknight dinner