why make this recipe
Creamy Beef Pasta is a wonderful dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious and comforting. The creamy sauce, combined with tender beef and pasta, makes it a family favorite. Plus, it’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home.
how to make Creamy Beef Pasta
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 the 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 Creamy Beef Pasta hot right from the skillet. You can pair it with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to make a complete meal. Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a touch of fresh parsley on top can enhance its presentation and flavor.
how to store Creamy Beef Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the Creamy Beef Pasta cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it gets too thick.
tips to make Creamy Beef Pasta
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while it cooks.
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer – penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of reserved pasta water you add.
variation (if any)
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them along with the onion and garlic for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter option. The cooking time may vary slightly.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream or substitute some of the heavy cream with chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Can substitute with any pasta of choice.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more for garnish if desired.
- 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 the desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combining and Serving
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.