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Creamy Beef Pasta

Tender penne pasta enveloped in a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, savory ground beef, and Parmesan cheese. A comforting weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and 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 and softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 7 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water little by little until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
  5. Add cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Toss everything together gently until each piece of pasta is coated in sauce. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality beef for richer flavor. Season your pasta water well. For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.