Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe: Ultimate Comfort Food in 30 Minutes
This creamy beef pasta is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Tender pasta is coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce with savory ground beef, creating a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta or preferred pasta shape
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently as it warms. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until evenly coated. Let rest for 2 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For best results, always reserve pasta water—it helps the sauce cling beautifully. Add cream over low heat to prevent curdling, and use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. This dish can be customized with vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.