I grew up on simple, saucy pasta dishes that felt like a warm hug after a long day. This Creamy Beef Pasta is that kind of comfort food — rich, straightforward, and perfect for evenings when you want something satisfying without a long ingredient list. The sauce clings to penne, the beef adds hearty depth, and a generous handful of Parmesan finishes it with a silky finish. If you’re after a weeknight winner that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this is it. For other cozy, fuss-free meals, you might also enjoy these healthy comfort recipes.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe hits the sweet spot between speed and flavor. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and cooks up in under 30 minutes, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or feeding picky eaters who love familiar textures. The cream and Parmesan make the sauce velvety without complicated steps, while lean ground beef keeps it filling and protein-forward. It’s also easy to scale, kid-friendly, and forgiving — a good candidate for meal prep or a cozy solo dinner.
The cooking process explained
Before you cook, here’s how this comes together in simple stages:
- Boil the penne until al dente and drain.
- Sauté onion and garlic to build an aromatic base.
- Brown the ground beef and season it.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, then melt in Parmesan to make a smooth sauce.
- Toss the pasta with the beef-cream sauce and serve immediately.
This overview helps you pace tasks so nothing sits and gets sticky.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb ground beef, lean
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Notes: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. If you want a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch (see variations for details).
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and let it warm gently for a couple of minutes so flavors meld.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Toss the cooked penne into the skillet. Stir until the pasta is fully coated and everything is combined. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy beef pasta!
Serving suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- A side of garlic-rubbed toasted bread or warm focaccia is perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.
- For a simple garnish, scatter chopped parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper over each bowl.
- Offer sparkling water with lemon or iced tea as a refreshing, non-alcoholic pairing.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Stored correctly, it will keep 3–4 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Heat until steaming and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To freeze, cool quickly and place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture after freezing, separate sauce and pasta if possible: freeze the sauce alone and cook fresh pasta on reheating.
- Always discard any dairy-heavy leftovers left at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid food-safety risk.
Pro chef tips
- Brown the beef without crowding the pan. Good contact equals better Maillard flavor.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. A splash helps the sauce cling to the pasta and smooth any graininess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent a silky melt.
- If you prefer a quicker one-pan method, cook the pasta directly in more liquid with the sauce ingredients and shorten hands-on time.
- For dairy-related meal timing and snack ideas, see our cottage cheese before bed guide.
Recipe variations
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use milk plus 1 tbsp cornstarch to thicken.
- Veggie boost: Stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for color and nutrients.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions.
- Different protein: Use ground turkey or a plant-based crumbled protein to change the calorie profile.
- Cheese swap: Mix in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra body, or finish with Pecorino for a sharper bite.
Helpful answers
Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Plan on about 25–30 minutes total: 10–12 minutes to cook the pasta and 12–15 minutes for the sauce and assembly.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a potluck?
A: Yes. Hold the sauce separately in a slow cooker on low or reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: The sauce freezes fairly well; pasta can become softer after thawing. If possible, freeze sauce and pasta separately and combine after reheating.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a full-fat dairy-free creamer or coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Expect a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: Why is my sauce grainy sometimes?
A: Overheating or adding cheese to very high heat can cause graininess. Keep the heat low when melting cheese and add a small splash of pasta water or cream to smooth it.
Q: Can I reduce the sodium?
A: Yes. Use low-sodium broth (if adding), reduce added salt, and taste before serving since Parmesan adds saltiness.
Conclusion
If you want a straightforward, comforting main that comes together quickly and pleases a crowd, this creamy beef pasta is a reliable choice — rich, adaptable, and satisfying. For another take on a creamy beef-and-pasta dish with slightly different seasonings and technique, check this version at Creamy Beef Pasta – It’s Not Complicated Recipes.
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Creamy Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Beef
Description
A comforting, creamy pasta dish with lean ground beef and Parmesan, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, lean
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and let it warm gently for a couple of minutes so flavors meld.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Toss the cooked penne into the skillet. Stir until the pasta is fully coated and everything is combined. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy beef pasta!
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. If you want a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian