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Creamy Beef Pasta

A quick and comforting dish featuring penne pasta, creamy sauce, and ground beef, perfect for family meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Toasting enhances flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use more for garnish if desired.
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing.

Method
 

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

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if it gets too thick. Optionally, add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.