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Creamy Beef Pasta

A simple, rich weeknight meal with tender penne coated in a smooth cream sauce, savory browned beef, and sharp Parmesan.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Use 80–85% lean for best flavor and moisture
Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Add near the start of sautéing to avoid a raw bite
  • 1 medium onion, diced Sauté with olive oil until fragrant
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Grate fresh for best melting and flavor
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning For added flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente, then 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 (about 5 minutes).
Cooking
  1. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
  3. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best texture, serve immediately and cool leftovers properly. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.