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Creamy Beef Pasta

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A quick and comforting creamy beef pasta dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a silky sauce that clings to penne.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the beef.
  5. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Stir the grated Parmesan into the sauce until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece with the sauce. Warm through for a minute if needed.
  8. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley if you like.

Notes

For lighter cream, use half-and-half plus a tablespoon of butter. To add vegetables, toss in chopped spinach or peas at the end.

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