Creamy Beef Pasta: Hearty Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy beef pasta combines tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a touch of cream for a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pasta & Sauce's Embrace
05 -
1 lb penne pasta
06 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
07 -
1 cup beef broth
08 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
09 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Aromatic Whispers & Flavor Boosters
10 -
2 tsp Italian seasoning
11 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set aside. This ensures your Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights has perfectly cooked noodles.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 lbs 80/20 ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add the diced 1 medium yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Stir 2 tbsp tomato paste into the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Add 2 tsp Italian seasoning, along with salt and black pepper to taste. This forms the rich foundation for your Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights.
05 -
Pour in 1 cup beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently thicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 -
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency for your Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights.
07 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy this comforting Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights!
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of dry red wine (about 1/4 cup) after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce by half before adding the beef broth.
02 -
Leftovers of this Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
03 -
Feel free to substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or cavatappi. For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the texture will be less rich.
04 -
Serve this hearty pasta dish with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete your cozy night meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 760 kcal
Total Fat: 41 g
Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
Protein: 35 g