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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate finely minced garlic and diced onions into the sizzling beef, stirring continuously to release their aromatic essences and create a robust flavor foundation.
- Season the beef mixture with a harmonious blend of herbs and spices, ensuring each morsel is infused with a tantalizing taste profile.
- Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce that gradually thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
- Gently fold grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, allowing it to melt and integrate seamlessly, adding depth and richness to the creamy mixture.
- 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.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the top, allowing it to slowly melt and create a golden, bubbling surface.
- Finish the dish with a delicate shower of freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous notes.
- 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