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Easy Creamy and Tasty Beef Pasta

This easy creamy beef pasta recipe is pure comfort food made simple. Tender noodles are coated in a rich, velvety sauce loaded with savory ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a dinner that feels indulgent yet totally doable on a busy night. It’s a budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights, cozy dinners for two, or feeding a hungry family. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, this dish proves you don’t need anything fancy to create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing pasta everyone will happily dig into—seconds included.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • What You’ll Need
  • 8 ounces penne or any short pasta you love
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

Method
 

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, season it generously with salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until just tender with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water and set it aside—trust me, you’ll want it later.

    Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

    Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now.

      Step 3: Cook the Beef

      Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it brown evenly and cook through completely. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.

        Step 4: Make It Creamy

        Reduce the heat slightly and slowly pour in the cream, stirring as you go. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce looks silky and smooth. Stir in the Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

          Step 5: Bring It All Together

          Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet. Toss everything until the noodles are fully coated in that rich, creamy sauce.

            Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

            Spoon the pasta into bowls and finish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite.

              Notes

              Cooking Tips for Best Results

              Brown the beef first for maximum flavor, then layer in aromatics like onion and garlic. Cook pasta separately and combine everything at the end to keep textures perfect and the sauce silky.

              Customize It Your Way

              • Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you want something lighter
              • Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini
              • Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat
              • Finish with fresh basil or parsley for brightness

              FAQs

              What ingredients do I need for creamy beef pasta?
               You’ll need pasta, ground beef, heavy cream, garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Optional vegetables can be added for extra nutrition.
              How long does this recipe take to make?
               From start to finish, plan on about 30–40 minutes. It’s quick enough for busy evenings but still feels special.
              Can I make this ahead of time?
               Yes! Store the pasta and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or water if needed.
              What variations can I try?
               Try different proteins, add vegetables, spice it up, or experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago for a twist.

              Final Thoughts

              This creamy beef pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and endless flexibility make it a go-to meal for busy nights or relaxed dinners alike. Whether you serve it fresh or enjoy leftovers the next day, this dish is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation 🍝✨