Name: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup beef broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta into the sauce, stirring to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.

Step 7: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and thickened.

Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 9: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

For extra richness, add a little butter when sautéing the garlic.

Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added vegetables and flavor.

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells works well with this creamy sauce.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after thawing. It’s best to consume within 1-2 months and reheat slowly for best results.