Perfect Cheesy Penne with Beef and Garlic Delight Recipe for Tonight

Cheesy penne beckons with its irresistible comfort and satisfying flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich ingredients combine in a symphony of delectable textures and aromatic sensations.

Hearty and robust, this dish promises a culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Savory beef and melted cheese create a perfect harmony of taste that feels simultaneously indulgent and familiar.

garlic adds a magical depth that elevates every single bite into something extraordinary.

Imagine a meal that feels like a warm embrace, bringing instant happiness with each forkful.

Nothing compares to the pure joy of sharing such a delightful creation around the dinner table.

You can want to dive right into this mouthwatering masterpiece that delivers pure satisfaction in every single bite.

Tips for Penne That Packs Flavor

• Boost Pasta Texture: Salt your water generously and cook penne just until al dente to prevent mushy noodles.
• Maximize Beef Flavor: Brown ground beef over high heat to develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance overall dish taste.
• Create Silky Sauce: Whisk heavy cream and beef broth slowly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Add Parmesan during sauce-making for depth, then top with melted mozzarella for gooey, stretchy finish.
• Garnish with Purpose: Chop fresh parsley right before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

Keeping Beefy Pasta Fresh and Warm

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying and restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze Option: Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best quality and taste.

Side Ideas for Cheesy Beef Penne

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty pasta with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that can stand up to the hearty beef and creamy cheese flavors.
• Add a Fresh Salad Sidekick: Balance the heavy dish with a crisp green salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Enhance the meal with crusty garlic bread that helps soak up the delicious sauce and provides a crunchy texture contrast.
• Choose a Zesty Side Vegetable: Roast some asparagus or broccoli with lemon and herbs to add a bright, fresh element that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Creative Takes on Beef and Garlic Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Penne: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, add diced green chilies, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate oregano and rosemary, mix in crumbled feta cheese, and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Creamy Veggie Penne: Substitute beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and add spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Replace beef with shredded buffalo chicken, use blue cheese instead of Parmesan, and add a drizzle of hot sauce for a game-day inspired meal.

Penne with Beef and Garlic: FAQ Section

• How long should I cook the penne pasta?

Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes, depending on the package instructions. Taste test to ensure it’s perfectly cooked but still has a slight firmness.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute. It will work great in this recipe and provide a leaner protein option while maintaining the same delicious flavors.

• How do I know when the sauce is properly thickened?

The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should look creamy and slightly reduced, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes of simmering.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley for garnish?

No worries! You can skip the parsley or use dried herbs like dried parsley or even chives. The dish will still be delicious and packed with flavor.

Cheesy Penne with Beef and Garlic Must-Haves

• This recipe delivers an irresistible blend of hearty ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
• Requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, this one-pan dish makes dinner preparation a breeze, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without complex cooking techniques.
• The recipe offers flexibility by allowing home cooks to adjust seasonings, swap cheese varieties, or add extra vegetables, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Enjoy the delightful combination of tender pasta, juicy seasoned beef, velvety sauce, and gooey melted cheese that creates a symphony of textures in every single bite.

Ingredients for Cheesy Penne with Beef and Garlic

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce wonderfully, perfect for hearty dishes.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing pasta's flavor during cooking.

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein to the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the beef. Unsalted butter gives better control of dish's saltiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor to the creamy sauce. Freshly grated works best.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty, stretchy topping. Shredded variety melts most evenly.

• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most intense taste.
• Onion: Provides sweet and savory undertones to the beef base.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal notes.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce. Low-sodium option recommended.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth sauce. Full-fat version gives best texture.
• Black Pepper, Seasonings: Enhance overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Prepare Cheesy Beef Penne

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop penne pasta into the bubbling water. Cook until pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef to the pan. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Listen for that sizzling sound that means deliciousness is happening! Cook until the beef turns a rich golden brown and no pink remains.

Step 3: Enhance Beef Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Diced onions
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Beef broth
• Heavy cream

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir occasionally until the sauce starts to thicken beautifully. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta tube gets coated with the rich, creamy sauce and savory beef.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Cheesy Penne With Beef And Garlic Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Cheesy Penne with Beef and Garlic Delight invites pasta enthusiasts into a comforting Italian-inspired world of rich flavors. Melted cheese, tender beef, and aromatic garlic create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil, immersing the penne pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture with a slight firmness at the center.
2. In a spacious skillet, melt butter and introduce ground beef, allowing it to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown crust that promises deep flavor complexity.
3. Incorporate finely minced garlic and diced onions into the sizzling beef, stirring continuously to release their aromatic essences and create a robust flavor foundation.
4. Season the beef mixture with a harmonious blend of herbs and spices, ensuring each morsel is infused with a tantalizing taste profile.
5. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce that gradually thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
6. Gently fold grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, allowing it to melt and integrate seamlessly, adding depth and richness to the creamy mixture.
7. Drain the perfectly cooked pasta and introduce it directly into the beef and sauce, gently tossing to ensure each pasta tube is lavishly coated with the decadent mixture.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the top, allowing it to slowly melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Finish the dish with a delicate shower of freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous notes.
10. Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the pasta radiates warmth, inviting eager diners to indulge.

Notes

• Versatile Meal Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This hearty pasta dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
• Elevate Flavor with Quality Ingredients: Fresh garlic, good Parmesan, and high-fat content ground beef make a significant difference in taste.
• Creamy Sauce Secret: Slow simmering allows the sauce to thicken naturally and develop rich, complex flavors without becoming too heavy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the beef and sauce in advance, then reheat and combine with fresh pasta for a speedy meal.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Let mozzarella rest for 2-3 minutes after adding to create a gorgeous, stretchy cheese pull.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition and variety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg