The Creamiest Beef Penne with Garlic Butter & Cheese Recipe

Creamy beef penne dances with rich, luxurious flavors that promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Comfort meets culinary artistry in this tantalizing dish that balances hearty protein and silky pasta.

Imagine a plate where tender meat mingles with velvety sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through savory landscapes of creamy goodness.

garlic and cheese weave their magical spell, revolutionizeing simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe invites you to savor every delectable bite.

Your kitchen will soon be filled with irresistible aromas that beckon everyone to the table.

Explore this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate.

Why Creamy Beef Penne with Garlic Butter and Cheese Tastes So Rich

• This recipe delivers an irresistible combination of tender pasta, rich beef, and velvety cheese sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• With just one skillet and simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick dinner solutions.
• The garlic butter sauce elevates basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that balances creamy, savory, and aromatic notes, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Kids and adults alike will love this hearty, cheesy pasta that sneaks in protein and satisfies different taste preferences with its universal appeal.

Must-Have Ingredients for Creamy Beef Penne with Garlic Butter

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, perfect for creamy dishes.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that adds hearty flavor to the pasta.

• Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious sauce texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides smooth, rich foundation for the cheese sauce.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices for balancing and enhancing overall dish taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds fresh visual appeal and light herbal note.

Making Creamy Beef Penne with Garlic Butter – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle some salt into the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add penne pasta and cook according to package directions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Grab a spacious skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Drop in butter and let it melt completely. Crumble ground beef into the skillet. Break apart the meat using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

• Minced garlic cloves
• Finely chopped garlic

Sauté the garlic gently, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Watch for a golden, fragrant aroma that signals perfect cooking.

Step 4: Build Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust flavors as needed.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Toss in the drained penne pasta. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated in the luxurious sauce. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Transfer the steaming pasta to serving plates. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delightful meal.

Pro Tips for Creamy Beef Penne with Garlic Butter Success

• Master Pasta Texture: Cook penne al dente by tasting a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions to prevent mushy pasta.
• Control Beef Browning: Use high heat and avoid stirring too frequently to achieve perfect caramelized meat with crispy edges.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce without clumping.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast garlic briefly to release rich aromatics without burning, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to create a perfectly creamy, clingy texture that coats every pasta piece.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Creamy Beef Penne

• Refrigerate: Transfer remaining pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Restore Creaminess: Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to help restore the sauce's original smooth texture and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry.

Dishes to Serve with Creamy Beef Penne and Garlic Butter

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, creamy beef pasta. These wines cut through the dish's richness while enhancing its savory garlic and cheese flavors.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness. The salad's tangy, fresh elements will contrast the creamy sauce and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted garlic bread with herbs to accompany the pasta. The crunchy texture and additional garlic notes will amplify the dish's existing flavor profile and provide a satisfying side.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted broccoli or asparagus with olive oil and parmesan. These vegetables add nutritional value and provide a slightly charred, earthy dimension that complements the creamy beef pasta.

Delicious Variations of Creamy Beef Penne Dish

• Spicy Beef Penne Kick: Add red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery flavor boost.
• Mediterranean Inspired Pasta: Replace ground beef with lamb, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for an authentic Greek-style meal.
• Veggie-Loaded Comfort Bowl: Swap ground beef with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to create a vegetarian-friendly version packed with nutrients.
• Creamy Cajun Fusion: Mix in Cajun seasoning, use andouille sausage instead of ground beef, and add a splash of hot sauce for a Southern-style transformation.

Common FAQs About Creamy Beef Penne with Cheese

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle. Just ensure they’re similar in size and cook them according to package instructions.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream, and reduce cheese quantity. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to prevent the sauce from separating.

• What can I serve alongside this dish?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this creamy pasta perfectly. A light side dish balances the richness of the main course.

Creamy Beef Penne With Garlic Butter And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy beef penne masterpiece, where rich garlic butter and melted cheese embrace tender pasta. Hearty pasta lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible Italian-inspired dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Cooking Components:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Place penne pasta in generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing residual moisture to evaporate.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm a touch of butter over medium-high temperature. Crumble ground beef into the pan, methodically breaking it into fine fragments while cooking until completely browned and no trace of pink remains.
3. Eliminate excess grease from the beef, then transfer the meat to a separate plate. Utilize the same skillet to preserve the delectable browned bits.
4. Reduce heat to medium and melt remaining butter. Introduce minced garlic, gently sautéing until a delicate, aromatic fragrance emerges, carefully preventing any scorching.
5. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer gently. Gradually incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until a velvety, uniform sauce develops.
6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the sauce, adjusting flavors to personal preference. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
7. Reunite the cooked ground beef with the pasta in the creamy sauce. Gently fold and coat every pasta morsel, ensuring complete integration of flavors.
8. Warm the entire mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, permitting ingredients to meld harmoniously. The sauce should reach a perfect, luxurious consistency.
9. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top. Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s optimal temperature and flavor profile.

Notes

• Quick weeknight meal bursting with rich, creamy flavors that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile recipe allows easy substitution of ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for lighter protein options.
• Parmesan and mozzarella create a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta ridge.
• Draining excess fat from beef ensures a cleaner, less greasy final dish with concentrated meaty flavor.
• Fresh parsley adds bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of the creamy cheese sauce.
• One-skillet cooking method means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience for busy home cooks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg