Description
A quick and hearty beef pasta dish that combines tender pasta with a rich cream sauce and Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 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 for sautéing
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente, drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Add 2 tsp olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper and 2 tsp Italian seasoning as it cooks.
- Lower the heat to medium low and pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine with the beef and aromatics, and warm through for about 2 minutes.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until you reach a smooth, glossy sauce that will coat the pasta, usually 1/2 to 3/4 cup depending on thickness preference.
- Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Return the drained penne to the skillet, toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce, heating together for about 1 minute.
- Serve immediately, topping with extra Parmesan, a grind of black pepper, and optionally some chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg