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Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is a comforting and quick dish combining tender ground beef with a luscious, velvety cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or anytime you want a hearty, satisfying meal that delights the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, building the flavor foundation.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute. Pour in the heavy cream, then reduce heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if it gets too thick.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente for best texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Brown the beef well to develop deep, savory flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent cream from curdling and keep it silky smooth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy pasta, weeknight meal