Creamy Beef Pasta (Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner)
Creamy Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this dish combines tender penne pasta with savory ground beef in a smooth, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a reliable family favorite that comes together quickly and can easily be customized with vegetables or different proteins.
Ingredients
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 lb lean ground beef
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. -
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. -
Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 6–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess grease if needed. -
Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. -
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
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Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente pasta holds the sauce better
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Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water instead of extra cream
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melting
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Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition
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Swap proteins with ground turkey or chicken if desired