Description
A quick and creamy one-skillet beef pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or similar)
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
- Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it warm through gently—don’t boil.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Mix in 1 cup grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if needed. You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian