Description
A rich and creamy beef pasta recipe featuring tender penne tossed in a savory Parmesan and heavy cream sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. This quick and comforting dish is perfect for a hearty dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned, approximately 7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream to the skillet. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef pasta immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency and aids in binding the sauce to the pasta.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish light.
- Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a bright color contrast and fresh flavor.
- Parmesan cheese melts best when added off heat to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy beef pasta, Italian pasta dish, one pan pasta, quick dinner, comfort food
