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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Place penne pasta in generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing residual moisture to evaporate.
- 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.
- Eliminate excess grease from the beef, then transfer the meat to a separate plate. Utilize the same skillet to preserve the delectable browned bits.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt remaining butter. Introduce minced garlic, gently sautéing until a delicate, aromatic fragrance emerges, carefully preventing any scorching.
- 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.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the sauce, adjusting flavors to personal preference. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Reunite the cooked ground beef with the pasta in the creamy sauce. Gently fold and coat every pasta morsel, ensuring complete integration of flavors.
- Warm the entire mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, permitting ingredients to meld harmoniously. The sauce should reach a perfect, luxurious consistency.
- 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