Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic beef, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings in no time.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
6. Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta into the sauce, stirring to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
7. Step 7: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and thickened.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
9. Step 9: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the ground beef mixture.
• If you prefer a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the sauce’s taste compared to pre-grated versions.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute penne with rigatoni, ziti, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and delicious pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked penne tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce with savory ground beef. Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquids and Dairy

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
4. Season Beef: Season the browned beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
5. Add Liquids: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to begin to simmer and thicken slightly.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
7. Add Parmesan: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and thick.
8. Melt Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add color and a fresh note to the rich pasta.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth melting.
• Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta.

Keywords: cheesy penne pasta, ground beef pasta, creamy penne, garlic butter beef pasta, Italian pasta recipe, penne with cheese sauce