Tender penne pasta smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, with savory ground beef and cracked black pepper, finished with a sprinkle of parsley. A comforting one-pot dish that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy garlic beef penne pasta is a delightful combination of hearty ground beef and smooth, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of pasta. It offers a rich and comforting meal that is quick enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough to serve guests. The garlic-infused cream sauce adds depth and warmth, while Parmesan cheese provides a savory finish. This dish balances protein and carbs seamlessly, making it a satisfying and filling option any time of year.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Push meat to one side of the pan.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir to combine with beef.
- Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different taste.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating if the sauce appears too thick.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any pasta shape such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle works well.
Is it necessary to make a roux with butter and flour?
Yes, the roux is essential for thickening the cream sauce and giving it a smooth texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding dairy and reheat gently over low heat.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or broccoli can be sautéed and added to the dish.
How do I store leftovers to maintain freshness?
Keep the pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
It is possible to freeze, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is generally mild and creamy, which many children enjoy.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk alternatives and vegan butter substitutes, but the flavor and texture will vary.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Beef Penne Pasta is a rich, comforting meal that brings together tender pasta and a flavorful, creamy sauce with savory ground beef. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to customize and perfect for quick dinners or relaxed weekend meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it offers a satisfying dish sure to please family and guests alike.
Print
Creamy Garlic Beef Penne Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Tender penne pasta smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, with savory ground beef and cracked black pepper, finished with a sprinkle of parsley. A comforting one-pot dish that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Push meat to one side of the pan.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir to combine with beef.
- Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Optional: add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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