Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Creamy cheese blends beautifully with savory ground beef and pasta, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
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
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 4: Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta into the sauce, stirring to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
- Step 7: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and thickened.
- 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 melts.
- Step 9: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
- For a spicier kick, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a creamier melt.
Storage
Store leftover cheesy penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini works well with this creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and heat just before serving for best texture and flavor.
PrintCheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
A rich and creamy cheesy penne pasta dish loaded with flavorful garlic butter ground beef, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting skillet meal combines tender pasta with a savory, cheesy sauce perfect for a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 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)
Liquids and Cheese
- 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
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later use.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with garlic. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness.
- Season beef: Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to season the cooked beef evenly.
- Add liquids: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine and create a creamy sauce base.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly so that every piece is coated with the sauce.
- Melt Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to allow it to melt and thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Add mozzarella and melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the mozzarella to melt into a gooey layer.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the lid and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, do not omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce calories, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: cheesy penne, garlic butter ground beef, creamy pasta, Italian skillet meal, Parmesan cheese pasta, mozzarella pasta, comfort food, easy dinner
