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Creamy beef pasta dish garnished with herbs and cheese

Creamy Beef Pasta

A quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight meal featuring tender pasta mixed with savory ground beef, a rich creamy sauce, and topped with Parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne pasta Use your preferred pasta shape.
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus additional for serving.
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart and cooking until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in the grated Parmesan until melted.
  5. Combine the 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

To store leftovers, cool completely and place in an airtight container; store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if too thick. For variation, you can add red pepper flakes or sauté vegetables like bell peppers or spinach with the beef.