why make this recipe
This creamy beef pasta is quick and filling. It uses simple ingredients you likely have. It makes a warm family meal in under 30 minutes. If you like creamy pasta with meat, you may also enjoy a chicken version at creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
introduction
Creamy Beef Pasta mixes browned ground beef with a soft cream sauce and pasta. The sauce is rich and smooth from heavy cream and Parmesan. The dish is easy to make and works for weeknights or a small dinner. It is friendly for cooks who want a simple, tasty meal.
how to make Creamy Beef Pasta
Follow these clear steps to cook the dish. For a similar method using rotisserie chicken, see creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
- Cook the penne until al dente, drain, and save 1 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook until browned. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir and add reserved pasta water little by little until the sauce is the texture you like.
- Mix in grated Parmesan until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan or parsley if you like.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing
Directions :
- 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 (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
how to serve Creamy Beef Pasta
Serve hot on plates or in a bowl. Add extra grated Parmesan on top. A side salad or steamed vegetables fit well. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
Let the pasta cool to room temperature for up to one hour. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Save pasta water to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
- Cook pasta one minute less if you plan to reheat leftovers.
- For another flavor idea, check this tomato garlic style: creamy tomato garlic pasta.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.
- Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape.
- Stir in a handful of fresh basil or chopped parsley at the end for a fresh note.
- For a tomato-creamy mix, add 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes before the cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A: Yes. Use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells.
Q: Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works fine. Cook it the same way until browned.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Use whole milk and add more Parmesan to help thicken.
Q: How do I stop the sauce from getting too thin?
A: Use less pasta water and add Parmesan slowly until the sauce thickens. Simmer gently to reduce.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Freezing cream sauces can change texture. It is okay but best to eat within 1 month. Thaw in fridge and reheat slowly with a splash of milk.
Conclusion
Try a one-pot tomato and beef twist for an easy weeknight dinner with this guide from One pot creamy tomato beef pasta – RecipeTin Eats. For another creamy beef pasta idea with simple steps, see this version at One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta – Butter Be Ready. If you want a creamy beef pasta recipe with clear tips and photos, check this page at Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe | Cookies and Cups.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta You can substitute with any short pasta.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives.
- 1 cup heavy cream Substituting with whole milk is possible, but the sauce will be thinner.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for the best flavor.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
