The first time I made this creamy beef pasta, I was trying to recreate a dish from a little Italian restaurant in my neighborhood that closed down years ago. I’ve tweaked it over time, and now it’s my go-to when I need something quick but still feels like I put in effort. The way the pasta water helps create that silky sauce without any fancy techniques makes this recipe foolproof, even on those nights when I’m barely keeping it together between work and getting everyone fed.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef Pasta
I keep these staples stocked because this recipe has rescued dinner more times than I can count. The quality of your beef and Parmesan really does make a difference here. I go for 85/15 ground beef for the right balance of flavor without too much grease, and I always grate my own Parmesan instead of buying the pre-shredded stuff because it melts so much smoother.
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef (I use 85/15 for best flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (this is your secret weapon for perfect sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get everything prepped before you start cooking. It makes the whole process so much smoother when you’re not scrambling to dice onions while your beef is browning.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente (tender but still has a slight bite), typically 10-12 minutes. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. Watch the garlic to prevent burning, which turns bitter.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into smaller pieces with your wooden spoon. Let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to get nice browning, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 7 minutes total. Season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon nicely. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together using tongs, making sure each piece gets coated. Let it simmer together for 1-2 minutes so the flavors marry.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like.
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Beef Pasta
This rich pasta benefits from sides that bring freshness and balance to the plate.
Garlic Bread Rolls: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce. The crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness perfectly. The Parmesan in both dishes creates nice flavor harmony.
Roasted Broccoli: Tossed with olive oil and roasted until slightly charred, broccoli adds nutrition and a pleasant bitterness that balances the cream. Similar to how it works in chicken and broccoli alfredo bake, the texture variety keeps things interesting.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring brightness and acidity that lighten this hearty meal. Especially wonderful during summer when tomatoes are at their peak.
Green Bean Casserole: Quick-cooked green beans add a crisp, slightly acidic element that complements the rich pasta without competing for attention.
Keeping It Fresh: Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, which is normal. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
When reheating, use the stovetop over medium-low heat rather than the microwave. Add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to bring back that silky consistency. Stir frequently to heat evenly.
This dish is incredibly versatile. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey. If you enjoy beef pasta dishes, you might also like creamy parmesan beef rigatoni or stovetop creamy ground beef pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine work wonderfully. Just choose a shape with ridges or curves that will hold onto that creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?
The key is using the reserved pasta water wisely. Add it slowly and let the sauce simmer for a minute or two to thicken. The starch from the pasta water helps bind everything together naturally.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes! Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and reduce the Parmesan slightly. You’ll still get great flavor with fewer calories.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
