Creamy Beef Pasta: Rich Italian Comfort Dinner (Print Version)
Creamy beef pasta delivers hearty Italian comfort. Tender beef, rich sauce, and al dente pasta create a satisfying family dinner. Easy weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Creamy Tomato Embrace
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1/2 cup beef broth
07 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
08 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Pasta & Finishing Touches
12 -
12 oz penne pasta
13 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. This forms the hearty foundation for your Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Italian Comfort.
02 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup beef broth. Stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully for your Creamy Beef Pasta.
03 -
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This ensures perfect texture for your Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Italian Comfort.
04 -
Uncover the simmering sauce and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency for the Creamy Beef Pasta.
05 -
Add the drained penne pasta directly to the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece. Fold in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect saucy consistency for your Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Italian Comfort.
06 -
Serve your Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Italian Comfort hot, garnished with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting dish with loved ones.
# Notes:
01 -
For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
02 -
The beef and tomato sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding cream, pasta, and cheese.
03 -
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. For more heat, add a pinch more; for less, omit entirely.
04 -
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 830 kcal
Total Fat: 39 g
Total Carbohydrate: 78 g
Protein: 48 g