Creamy beef pasta turns ordinary weeknight cooking into something special with its rich, velvety sauce coating tender pasta and savory ground beef. This one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality comfort food in just 35 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Creamy Beef Pasta
I always keep these ingredients stocked because this recipe has saved me on countless busy evenings. The key to getting that restaurant-quality sauce is using real heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. My go-to is buying a block of Parmesan and grating it myself since pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta shape you have on hand)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I recommend 85/15 for the best flavor without excess grease)
- 1 cup heavy cream (don’t substitute with milk, the sauce won’t have the same richness)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced – fresh makes all the difference)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is my preference for maximum creaminess)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the secret to perfectly creamy sauce is reserving some pasta water before draining. That starchy water helps the sauce achieve the ideal consistency and helps it cling to the pasta.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. While the water heats, you can start preparing your beef mixture. Once boiling, cook the penne pasta according to package directions minus 1 minute (for al dente texture), usually 8 to 10 minutes total. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta water comes to a boil, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
Step 3: Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 7 to 8 minutes. If using higher-fat beef, drain excess fat leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Season generously with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low (this prevents the cream from breaking) and pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the beef. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the reserved pasta water 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time, up to 1/2 cup total, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.
Step 5: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. The cheese will thicken the sauce slightly, creating that signature creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together gently for about 1 minute until each piece of pasta is fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water to loosen it. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits.
Step 7: Transfer the creamy beef pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings for Your Creamy Beef Pasta
This hearty pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance its richness.
Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of that creamy sauce. The crunchy texture contrasts wonderfully with the tender pasta, and garlic complements the Italian flavors in the dish. Try our garlic bread rolls for a homemade option.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. The acidity from the dressing refreshes your palate between bites.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add nutrition and color to your plate. The caramelized edges from roasting bring a slight sweetness that balances the savory beef. Check out our sheet pan sausage and veggies for roasting inspiration.
Sautéed Spinach: Quickly wilted spinach with garlic provides a nutrient boost without overwhelming the meal. The slight bitterness of the greens works perfectly against the rich, creamy sauce. Similar to the greens in our spinach and ricotta stuffed shells.
Caesar Salad: The tangy, garlicky dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce provide textural contrast and help cut through the richness of the pasta. Plus, the Parmesan in the salad echoes the cheese in your pasta for a cohesive meal.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Serving Guide
Store leftover creamy beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal and easy to fix when reheating.
When reheating, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, milk, or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir gently and heat for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too, but stir in a tablespoon or two of liquid first and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent the sauce from separating.
This pasta is incredibly versatile for meal prep. I often make a full batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. You can also add fresh spinach or mushrooms when reheating for extra nutrition and variety. For another great pasta meal prep option, try our creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta or one pot creamy garlic pasta.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly in this recipe. Since they’re leaner than beef, you might want to add an extra teaspoon of olive oil when browning them to prevent sticking and ensure they stay moist in the sauce. The flavor will be slightly lighter but still delicious.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
The key is keeping your heat at medium-low once you add the cream. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Also, let the beef cool slightly for about 30 seconds before adding the cream, and stir gently rather than vigorously to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store separately from the pasta in the refrigerator, then cook fresh pasta and combine with the reheated sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions minus 1 minute for al dente texture, usually 8 to 10 minutes total. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While pasta water comes to a boil, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if using higher-fat beef, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Season generously with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup heavy cream while stirring gently. Let sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly. Add reserved pasta water 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time, up to 1/2 cup total, until you reach desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Toss everything together gently for about 1 minute until each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more pasta water.
- Transfer creamy beef pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
