Description
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines tender penne, savory ground beef, and rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Push the beef to one side and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss it with the garlic butter beef and sauce until fully coated.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed garlic in step 3.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg