Creamy Beef Pasta
A comforting and indulgent creamy beef pasta dish that's quick to prepare and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Pasta and Beef
- 8 oz penne pasta Feel free to swap out for your favorite pasta type.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Ground turkey can be used for a lighter version.
Cream and Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add extra for serving if desired.
Aromatics and Seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic elevates the flavors.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste Salt and pepper Balance seasonings to taste.
- Pepper to taste Salt and pepper Balance seasonings to taste.
For Sautéing
- 2 tsp olive oil Used for sautéing the aromatics.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and save 1 cup of the pasta water for later.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re fragrant (about 5 minutes).
Cooking
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, roughly 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or some fresh parsley for garnish if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze in portioned containers for longer storage. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce consistency.