Description
Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is a delightful comfort food perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This hearty dish features tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, complemented by flavorful ground beef. Quick to prepare, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheese, ensuring it satisfies both kids and adults alike. With its luscious texture and savory taste, Cheesy Penne with Ground Beef is sure to become a go-to meal at your table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes; add heavy cream and beef broth, whisking until combined.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly; return cooked beef to skillet and mix well.
- Toss in cooked penne pasta until evenly coated; serve hot garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in spinach or bell peppers. Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adjust the spice level by increasing red pepper flakes as desired.