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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Irresistibly Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Delight

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef recipe combines creamy indulgence with effortless preparation, delivering comforting flavors—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 1 box Penne Pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or fusilli.

For the Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can use ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Vegetable oil can also work.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher salt is preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Dried oregano or basil may substitute.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional, adjust for spice preference.

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half is a lighter alternative.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Cheddar may be used for a different flavor.

For Garnishing

  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, can also use basil or chives.

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
  • Sprinkle salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the beef. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
  • Lower the heat and pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Gently stir to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the drained penne to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
  • Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  • Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a lovely touch of color.

Notes

Add a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning on top for enhanced flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword Cheesy Penne, comfort food, Easy Dinner, garlic butter, Ground Beef, Quick Recipe
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